Last December, Belarus and Russia concluded an interstate treaty on security guarantees within the framework of the Union State. It was signed by Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin. The countries did not delay the ratification of the document. In March the treaty came into force as the heads of state exchanged the instruments of ratification during the official visit of the Belarusian president to Russia. Why did the two countries sign the treaty only now and what obligations does it impose on the parties? Who will be protected by the “nuclear umbrella”? Who will have the “red button” and how will Belarus and Russia counter sanctions and respond to threats and aggression? In the new episode of BelTA’s YouTube project “After the Fact: Lukashenko’s Decision” we have studied the document and here’s what we’ve learned.
