Putin warns of foreign interference in Belarus

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Putin receives Lukashenko: The Belarusian ruler, who has come under pressure, attended the victory parade in Moscow on June 24 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War

In view of the protests in Belarus that have been going on for more than a week, the Kremlin has warned against foreign interference in the ex-Soviet republic.

The situation could escalate further if there were attempts to "interfere from outside in the internal affairs of the republic," said the Kremlin after President Vladimir Putin spoke to Chancellor Angela Merkel on the phone. Moscow also hopes that the situation in neighboring Belarus will soon normalize.

Moscow and Minsk are allies, Belarus is economically dependent on Russia. Merkel had called for a "national dialogue with the opposition and society" during the phone call from head of state Alexander Lukashenko, as government spokesman Steffen Seibert said. The government must refrain from using violence against peaceful demonstrators and release political prisoners immediately, Seibert said.

The Kremlin put a completely different focus in a communication on the conversation. He warned foreigners against attempts to "interfere from outside in internal affairs of the Republic (Belarus)". Then the situation could escalate further. Moscow also hopes that the situation in neighboring Belarus will soon normalize.

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Thousands upon thousands protested on the streets of Minsk again on Saturday against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko

The protests in Minsk against Lukashenko have been going on since the controversial presidential election more than a week ago. There were also strikes in state-owned companies on Tuesday, but significantly fewer than the day before. It was reported from companies that the workforce was intimidated and prevented from protests against Lukashenko. In addition, there were individual street protests again that morning.

Lukashenko: Russia has promised military aid

According to Lukashenko's words, Russia is said to have already promised "comprehensive aid" to Lukashenko on Saturday if foreign states interfered in matters within Belarus. Lukashenko also referred to a defense alliance with Moscow. But it is unclear whether Putin would be willing to send Russian soldiers to crush the Belarusian opposition.

However, the Belarusian opposition fears Moscow's long arm: According to government critic Maria Kolesnikova, the opposition does not want a break with its overpowering neighbor.

"We are of the opinion that all existing agreements must be adhered to," wrote Kolesnikova to Alexei Wenediktov, editor-in-chief of the Russian radio station Echo Moswky, which is critical of the Kremlin. Russia is an important partner. "We understand and appreciate that."

Kolesnikova is a colleague of Svetlana Tichanowskaja, who ran against President Lukashenko in the controversial presidential election.

cht / dpa