Part 5/13:
- Strategic Transit Location: Sitting between Russia and the EU, Belarus benefits from transit fees on pipelines, railroads, and logistics services. President Lukashenko has previously threatened to block these routes, wielding geography as leverage—though this comes with significant risks.
Navigating International Sanctions and Global Market Shifts
Post-2020, Western sanctions following contested elections and brutal crackdowns further squeezed Belarusian finances. These measures targeted banks, state enterprises, and officials, diminishing traditional revenue sources. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 worsened the situation—potash exports to Europe ceased, airlines faced bans, and foreign companies withdrew.
Yet, Belarus adapted swiftly: