Russian defense analyst: Belarus, not Baltics, next
The breaking point in Russian relations with the West came in 2007-2008 when Russia did not receive the role it wanted in world politics, and fought in Chechnya and Georgia, the next step is likely to be Belarus, says Aleksander Sotin, a former Kremlin adviser who recently left citing growing imperial aspirations.
He told Eesti Päevaleht that Russia received carte-blanche from Western nations in 2008, giving the regime a green light for its next moves, which included Nord Stream and rendering once important transit nations of Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltics useless for Russia.
He said Russia wants to restore the power lines of post-war Europe and Belarus will be next, where the masses will be influenced by propaganda, and the people will begin to force politicians to make certain decisions. After Belarus, Latvia and Estonia, which also have large Russian minorities, will be next.
Speaking of Russian military might, Sotin said the nation is far poorer and the military far weaker than the West thinks, adding that many military experts said the new Russian military vehicles, seen at the May 9 parade, were nothing more that fakes.
Editor: J.M. Laats