Advocating for a ‘Just Democratic World Order’: Lukashenka, Lavrov, and the Art of Optimistic Collaboration

Lukashenka, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Belarus and Russia, shared their views on security issues and advocated for the establishment of a “just democratic world order” (in line with the basic provisions of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons). High-ranking officials from Belarus and Russia continue to exude optimism and willingly share plans regarding the export of Belarusian electricity to the Russian Federation and pilot projects aimed at creating multi-brand Belarusian trading platforms in Russian regions.

The Foreign Ministries of Belarus and Russia issued a joint statement in support of “the establishment of a just democratic world order.” Not a single word was mentioned in favor of modern autocracies, and both countries in the Union State of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation are. However, it was emphasized that the countries will jointly oppose any attempts to interfere in their internal affairs.

The heads of the two foreign ministries, Aleinik and Lavrov, also reaffirmed their commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This is noteworthy considering the recent statements by Putin and Lukashenka about their intention to deploy not only tactical, but also strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus. Does the Union State reverse gears on this matter? It’s not necessarily the case, and experts have differing opinions. Most likely, the states are resorting to their usual tactic of attempting to manipulate public opinion on a global scale.

On May 18, Aliaksandr Lukashenka, who hasn’t been particularly active in public life, met with participants of the Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. He expressed Belarus’ intention to further promote the principles of a just and multipolar world. The latter refers to a world “based on universally recognized norms and principles of international law, rather than some ‘rules’ imposed on us by the West.” This year, Belarus holds the chairmanship of the CSTO, highlighting its role as a regional security provider, as emphasized by the official media.

It is quite apparent that Minsk does not consider the production and export of security to be an overwhelmingly difficult task, fundamentally different from growing potatoes or trading in potash fertilizers.

During the aforementioned event, Lukashenka dismissed claims about a Ukrainian counter-offensive as “disinformation.” Some experts speculate that Lukashenka’s bold statements are an attempt to divert public attention from his health condition.

There is a possibility that Russia will import electricity from Belarus, according to Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov. The power of the second unit of the BelNPP reactor has been increased to 50%. A ceremony was held on May 19 at the BelNPP, attended by Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko and the Director General of the state corporation Rosatom, Alexei Likhachev. With the commissioning of the second unit, the BelNPP is expected to produce approximately 18.5 billion kWh of electricity annually. Gryzlov notes that this will meet about 40% of the country’s domestic needs and replace approximately 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year.

Belarusian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dzmitry Krutoy also shared positive news, mentioning plans to launch pilot projects for creating multi-brand trading platforms where Belarusian products from various industries and enterprises will be sold. These “pilots” will soon be implemented in Russian regions.