The attitude toward Russia seems to be odd, given the fact that in 1999 there was an agreement between Russia and Belarus to undertake the state union, which was recognized as a soft annexation of Belarus by Russia. If followed through, it would amount to the same common currency, parliament, defence and foreign policies, according to the briefing note we received. That seems to me to be part of Russia's plan.
What confidence does anyone have that Russia has either changed that plan or no longer wishes to have the kind of influence that would imply over Belarus, regardless of who's in power?