Russia Sees Opportunity in Belarus' Financial Troubles

Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has secured a 35 percent stake in Belarusian potash giant Belaruskali as collateral for a $2 billion loan to the firm. Belaruskali is a crucial component of the Belarusian economy and a firm Moscow has sought to acquire for some time. Belarus' current economic crisis and upcoming round of privatizations are giving Russia an opportunity to gain a foothold in strategic Belarusian economic sectors.