Since 1999 Mr. Lukashenko has exerted an effort to distance himself from that kind of control, where he finds it possible. As far as Russia's motives are concerned about Belarus, they're very difficult for us to judge, except that Putin's actions since the election have indicated that he's quite determined to maintain a very close relationship regardless of who's in power in Belarus.
On November 5th, 2020. See this statement in context.