After defeat in Ukraine, Putin may annex Belarus – Belarusian security officer turned activist warns

He shared his analysis on air on Espreso TV.

"We understand that if Putin loses the war against Ukraine, he will need at least some victory. Victory in Belarus will also raise his rating. The annexation of Belarus may be completely bloodless. Most Belarusian generals and intelligence officials are happy to sell their homeland and move to the Russian side. Lukashenko of course wants to be a tsar in Belarus. He would definitely not be satisfied with this fate, a kind of Yanukovych figure", Azarov explained.

Azarov also stressed that Lukashenko, in his desire to retain power in Belarus, is ready to sell his country's independence to Putin.

"Lukashenko is selling Belarus’ independence and resources to Putin. However, he is still running and wants to remain president of Belarus for a long time. He is definitely not happy with Yanukovych's fate. Therefore, we understand perfectly well how to overthrow Lukashenko. Only by force, and we understand that the civilian population may suffer, but there is no other way out ", Azarov added.