MINSK, 8 August (BelTA) — If Russia collapses, all the other CIS states will be sucked into a vortex, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with the participants of the CIS Internal Affairs Ministers Council in Minsk on 8 August, BelTA has learned.
"It could be that any of our states will not do without this unity. If we fail to understand this today, we will be dealt with separately. But if Russia collapses, we will all be sucked into a vortex," the Belarusian leader said.
At the meeting, the head of state highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation in the CIS and warned against attempts to look for some short-term benefit.
"In the light of the recent developments, including the special military operation in Ukraine, many, both leaders and security officials, have begun to look for some benefit for themselves. This should not be the case," the Belarusian leader said. “You know, guys, based on my experience, I will say that life is so turbulent now and very changeable. Many are looking for benefits and are moving away from our general development trend created in Soviet times. Some think: ‘We will stay away from Russia, it is under sanctions. We are afraid of getting under them and so on... We are looking for our own interests.’ Don't do that."
"Who knows what will happen to us, to our states tomorrow and whether we will have to turn to Russia for help. The recent events show that we are not welcome anywhere. Either Russia, or you and me. We need to stick together," the head of state said.
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