The Russia-West Standoff Manifests in Belarus

Belarus is caught in the middle of the Russia-West standoff and the military buildup associated with it. Belarus has attempted to serve as a mediator so far, hosting talks on the Ukrainian conflict and slowly warming to the European Union economically. However, Belarus is strategically aligned with Russia and Minsk is likely to strengthen its military and political ties with Moscow as the country's economy weakens and a presidential election looms. These closer ties — which could include the opening of a new Russian air base in Belarus — could favor Moscow in its competition with the West.