Russian economy decline forces Lukashenko to seek China’s financial support – Ukrainian diplomat

He expressed this opinion on the Espreso TV channel.

"As the Russian economy is weakening and Russia has no extra funds, Lukashenko is now trying to ensure China's financial support. The Chinese already provide more than 4 billion yuan annually to replenish Belarus' trade balance. Belarus, by the will of Lukashenko, is included in China's state reserves. This does not comply with international norms, but it happened. Every fall and spring, this simply kills Belarus. As Belarusians have nothing to cover the budget with," explained Bezsmertnyi .

The diplomat emphasized that at the meeting between Lukashenko and the Chinese Defense Minister, the  president of Belarus tried to negotiate financial support from China.

"Li Shangfu, without wanting to, became a financier and economist during his meeting with Lukashenko. When he returns to China, he will have to inform Xi Jinping about Lukashenko's request. It should also be understood that the dictatorial Belarusian ‘Soviet Union’ under Lukashenko's leadership has been comprehensively shown to Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, for whom it is like a memory of his youth," he added.

• On August 17, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, after a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, said that the countries have the same vision of the world order and are absolute supporters of the inviolability of borders.