Igor Korotchenko
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"On Point"
MINSK, 26 May (BelTA) – The alignment of positions of Moscow and Washington is impossible without taking into account the allied role of Belarus, Igor Korotchenko, Russian journalist and military expert, editor-in-chief of the Russian National Defense magazine, said in the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA's YouTube channel.
“Of course, we should not overlook brotherly Belarus as we are holding talks with Trump on the normalization, political dialogue, lifting of sanctions,” he emphasized.
According to the expert, the Union State determines a special approach to cooperation. “I have always said and keep saying at all levels, at expert events and meetings in the decision-making centers of the Russian Federation: our elites should not underestimate the strategic value of Belarus for Russia,” he noted.
Igor Korotchenko expressed confidence that Minsk's divergence from the joint course will cost Moscow dearly. “If suddenly, God forbid, Belarus turns its back on us and some dramatic changes occur, how much will we have to pay economically and financially to ensure our national security?” he asked.
He went on saying that the relations with Minsk cannot be approached from a purely pragmatic, financial point of view. “I strongly believe that it is incumbent upon us to view the interests of Belarus as our own. Having a friendly, sovereign, strong Belarus benefits the national security of the Russian Federation,” Igor Korotchenko said.
He called for dropping the mentality of 'loans and interests'. “Strengthening the sovereignty, independence, and economic potential of Belarus is a contribution to Russia's national security. We need to look at it through this lens. We need to calculate: what will it cost us if dramatic changes suddenly occur? How much effort, time, human resources will we have to spend on ensuring our security? They are not unlimited,” the expert added.
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