Belarus releases Russian mercenaries in a bid to curry favor with Moscow

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 15 Aug 2020 by Alex Teddy
On August 15 Lukashenka ordered 32 Russian Wagner mercenaries to be set free. The men were arrested in July for allegedly trying to overthrow the president. The opposition suspected it was an electoral stunt and that is what it has proved to be. Ukraine has complained about the release of the Wagner men because it has requested that the men be extradited to Ukraine. Demonstrations have continued for 7 days on an unprecedented scale. Some TV presenters have walked off set and some police officers have refused to use for on protesters. Putin and Lukashenka have discussed the situation. Putin vowed to support Lukashenka to the hilt. Lukashenka has dismissed the EU's idea of talks with the opposition or re-running the election. Presumably Russia will want something in return for this support. Lukashenka is going to have to make progress towards reunification. But even if he does not Moscow regards him as better than Belarus joining the Western camp.

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