Publication

This paper suggests that the Ukrainian revolution and Russia's intervention in Crimea will have significant implications for Belarus. The author says that Belarus’ close ties to the economies of both countries mean the problems in their markets arising from the political situation will impact negatively on its own situation. This, she argues, will create difficulties for Belarus’ relations with Russia and the EU. On the one hand loyalty towards Russia is called for because of Belarus’ political, economic and military dependence on Moscow. On the other, Ukraine is also an important economic partner, and support for Russia’s actions in Crimea could have a negative effect on Belarusian attempts to engage with the EU.