Episode 13 - Belarus From The Bunker: Making Sense Of The Union State

In the bunker with Darth Putin

* This episode was originally recorded for our Patreon supporters who receive premium content on Belarus, Russia, and Darth's insights on Twitter debates.

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Greetings from the Bunker! In this 1-on-1 episode with Darth, we discuss:

• Russia-Belarus integration process: Yeah, we all have heard about it for over two decades, and Russia's appetite to swallow Belarus sounds like a false alarm—until it isn't.

• Putin's visit to Belarus on May 23, 2024. After all, Vladimir doesn't have many choices for traveling these days. The ICC warrant might have something to do with it. It's a good thing that Luka simply can't say no to him, so they can keep each other company.

• The Kremlin placed tactical nukes in Belarus a year ago. Why bother? Since it doesn't give Moscow's management an actual strategic advantage.

• The reorientation of Belarusian state-owned enterprises towards servicing Russian military needs.

• Grotesque trials against Lukashenka's opponents in absentia, where I am among the defendants.

Yours sincerely,

Katie from Minsk