[gbuk2013]

Yes to the first, no to the second.

Lukashenko is generally derided for “sitting on two chairs” playing Europe against Russia (while acknowledging his impressive ability to do so for so many years). He also carried the country through the post-Soviet trouble period much better than most other former republics, for which he gets some respect.

Note that he has firmly purged the government of pro-Russian politicians over the years so there are no illusions about his friendship.

[yurish]

Can confirm this.