Autumnal Cannibalism

Readout of Putin-Lukashenko pow wow

Putin’s Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia recognizes Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus and counterpart of Putin in interstate relations.

✔️ Talks constructive and rich in content.

✔️ Russia agrees $1.5 billion loan to Belarus.

✔️ Presidents agree to prepare to restore transport links.

✔️ Lukashenko says he will propose amendments to the Constitution. Putin says Russia supports constitutional reform.

✔️ Russian military will return to their bases after military exercises in Belarus.

✔️ Oil and gas supplies discussed.

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Unfortunately for Putin, most Belarusians do not recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

✔️ Protests will continue and grow larger.

✔️ Lukashenko will either flee or be deposed.

✔️ Russia will be forced to re-think its Belarus strategy.

✔️ There will be no constitutional reform while Lukashenko remains president.

✔️ Calls to release political prisoners will grow louder.

✔️ OSCE is unable/incapable of playing a meaningful role in mitigating disaster.