Russia reportedly plans to annex Belarus after war in Ukraine

The Kremlin is reportedly considering deeper integration with Belarus, with plans to annex the country after the conclusion of the war in Ukraine, according to the Meduza news outlet, which cited a source close to the Putin administration.

«It could begin with the creation of shared government bodies, possibly elected through a dedicated campaign to highlight historic achievements, such as the unification of lands fragmented in the 1980s and 1990s, forming a new union of republics. This would be a major event and easily promotable,» the source told Meduza.

The source added that this strategy would form part of a «new post-war agenda» aimed at transitioning Russians back to peaceful life. However, the source expressed doubts about the swift execution of this plan, as its success hinges entirely on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who appears reluctant to relinquish power.

«There are concerns about the feasibility of this scenario because Lukashenko wants to remain a full-fledged ruler,» the source explained.

In an interview with Izvestia newspaper in October 2024, Lukashenko dismissed the possibility of Belarus joining Russia.

«It is impossible to put questions in such a way that ‘you are smaller and we are bigger, and we have a bigger economy, we will help you and you need to be part of Russia.’ This is impossible and unrealizable. I am even afraid to say that it might mean a war. You see the relations between me and Putin. We hold regular talks, personal and other meetings. Russia has never raised such a question,» Lukashenko said at the time.