Shulman on Lukashenka at Valdai: Something is happening there that wasn't before
Political scientist Ekaterina Shulman, speaking on the Dozhd TV channel, commented on Alexander Lukashenka's mysterious visit to Putin at Valdai. In her opinion, the lack of leaks and the fact that the meetings lasted two days indicate serious pressure on Lukashenka from the Kremlin. She says that one should closely monitor what is happening «in the Belarusian direction».
Alexander Lukashenka was met modestly in Russia on June 26, without girls with flowers
Shulman was asked about scenarios for the escalation of Russia's war against Ukraine. The political scientist here drew attention specifically to the Belarusian direction. She said she didn't want to spread conspiracy theories due to a lack of data. But she advises to follow it closely.
«Something is happening there,» she believes.
According to Shulman, Moscow is trying to pressure Lukashenka and deprive him of the ability to maneuver.
The political scientist notes that the US administration's policy towards Belarus fundamentally differs in its thoughtfulness and effectiveness from what is happening between Washington and Moscow. Belarus's policy towards Ukraine is also not the same as Russia's.
Shulman believes that Putin might have summoned Lukashenka either due to claims of excessive loyalty to Kyiv or with an ultimatum to fully enter the war.
«It's actually interesting there. Is this tactic successful, or is Alexander Grigoryevich's own survival instinct (who is famous for his survivability) telling him that he needs to slowly pull back [from Russia], or has Ukraine found some point where pressure can be applied… But something is happening there, something that wasn't before,» she believes.
She noted that Lukashenka has been at Valdai for two days without any, even protocol, photos or videos.
«Was he summoned to be reprimanded for excessive conformity in relations with Ukraine? Or was he summoned to be pushed against the wall and told: «That's it, you'll be fighting from Monday, and you can't get out of it anymore»? I don't know. Judging by the fact that it took as long as two days, he is probably wriggling out of it. Strength and good luck to him, what else can one say,» she added.
Comments
Но, нам, от этого, не легче.....