Russia can become dangerous for Lukashenko

Next Sunday's presidential elections in Belarus are likely to see Alexander Lukashenko re-elected as president. His biggest problem is the economic tensions with neighbouring Russia, writes the liberal daily Keskisuomalainen: "A large part of the oil Russia exports to the West flows through Belarus. Moreover Belarusian exports consist mainly of oil products, for which Russian oil is needed. ... But Moscow is growing tired of the anti-Russian rhetoric of its little neighbour's authoritarian leader. ... Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has hinted that his country may not recognise the results of the coming elections in Belarus. Around five billion euros in Russian economic aid each year to Belarus are also at stake here. That provides the Belarusian opposition with heavy ammunition. It could be the beginning of the end for Lukashenko."

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