The Kremlin is working on greater use of the resources of the Republic of Belarus in the war against Ukraine.
In order to continue active military operations on the territory of Ukraine, the Russian Federation has already switched its defense-industrial complex to increased work. The Russian government plans to increase state defense orders in 2023 and increases the load on its defense industry. It also became known about the plans of the Russian Federation to open its own production of Iranian drones of the Shahed-136 type on the territory of the country. However, this Putin is not enough.
According to the Belarusian underground, as part of the activities of the “union state” with the Republic of Belarus, the Russians are trying to gain control over the Belarusian defense industry. In particular, this topic was one of those discussed by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Shoigu during his visit to Belarus in early December.
At the same time, the opportunity to fully use the Belarusian defense industry can become a “bargaining coin” during the talks between dictators Putin and Lukashenka in Minsk, scheduled for December 19.
Putin continues to pressure Lukashenka to fully involve the Belarusian military in the war in Ukraine. At present, such a step is unlikely. The Belarusian army continues to serve Russian troops stationed in Belarus. It is possible that Lukashenko will be ready to make concessions regarding control over the country’s defense industry during negotiations with Putin.
