The author shared the details in the Saturday Political Club program on Espreso TV.
"But Putin certainly needs it. Lukashenko understands that as soon as his army starts fighting on the territory of Ukraine, it is another level of sanctions and incomprehensible public mood in Belarus. The vast majority of Russians support the war, in contrast to Belarusians, who do not support it in the majority. 90% of Belarusians do not support this war. Putin feels freer than Lukashenko. Putin knows that he reflects the mood of the majority of his countrymen. Lukashenko knows that he does not reflect", Portnikov emphasized.
The journalist also added that Lukashenko disposes of Belarus as if it were his property.
"Lukashenko can provide the country as a springboard. He can allow the Russians to shell Ukraine, but he does not know what will happen if hostilities begin with the participation of the Belarusian army. People will die and Belarusians may have a different reaction to the coffins that leave Ukraine. That's why Lukashenko is postponing it as much as possible. He understands that if he goes too far, he will lose power", Portnikov noted.