[adventured]

That's not what Russia wants in this situation.

They want Belarus isolated. It's ideal (for Putin's Russia) that the EU and US crack down harshly on Belarus, isolate them, and drive them into Russia's arms out of desperation. Lukashenko has been resisting a union with Russia for some time and using the West as a hedge, a way to create at least the illusion of an alternative to Russia's arms. With that gone, his options dwindle significantly, which is what Russia wants to see happen. There is nowhere else to turn, and few allies, other than Russia.

If you're Putin, what you want in this context, is for the economy of Belarus to get smashed to pieces, and Belarus to get entirely isolated politically in regards to the West.

[Glavnokoman]

It is funny how everybody knows what Russia wants and what is the "Putin's secret plan".

[unicornporn]

It's Hacker News after all. :)

[steego]

It’s funny you don’t.

Putin has been pulling his dick out, slapping it on the table and leering at what he wants for *everyone to see* before making his move to take what he wants.

There’s nothing secret about his plans. You’re just thick.

[JumpCrisscross]

> That's not what Russia want

Why is what Russia wants of concern to the EU?

The EU gains from this action. Putin may too. That’s fine. The EU gains more than he does, and Belarus loses all the more.

[petre]

The EU gains nothing but they do have to act. Better put that 3B towards Ukraine and Moldova.