Lukashenko suggests that the decline in trade is a reason for foreign countries to join the Eurasian Economic Union
In a significant development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has highlighted his concerns about the negative impact of the decline in trade turnover within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on the image of the integration union. During a meeting with the Governor of the Irkutsk region, Sergei Levchenko, Lukashenko stated that the current state of trade within the EAEU is causing criticism, both domestically and internationally [1].
The decline in EAEU trade turnover, as outlined by Lukashenko and analysts, is due to several key factors. Western sanctions have significantly reduced trade with non-CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, notably shrinking the EU’s share in Belarusian trade from over 30% to 5% in five years, thereby curtailing Belarus's export opportunities outside the EAEU [1].
Attempts to expand Belarusian exports into Africa, Asia, and South America have had very limited success, further hampering trade growth [1]. The economic slowdown in Russia, although the economy grew strongly in 2023-2024, narrowly avoided recession in early 2025, negatively affecting trade within the union. Disputes such as Lukashenko’s public complaints over gas import prices from Russia reflect rising tensions and cost pressures that may impact trade dynamics within the EAEU [2].
Domestic economic imbalances in Belarus, such as labor shortages driven by emigration post-2020 political crisis and demographic decline, causing wage pressures and inflation, contribute to the pro-inflationary environment that fuels demand for imports, worsening the trade deficit [1]. The ongoing potato crisis in Belarus, where government mishandling led to rising prices and instability, reduces economic confidence domestically and potentially affects trade [1][5].
In response, Lukashenko suggested that trade turnover should grow not only between Belarus and the Irkutsk region, but also between Belarus and Russia. He also expressed his intention to keep the Russian S-400s and "Iskanders" for Belarus [1].
This article does not discuss the context or implications of Lukashenko’s decision to keep the Russian military equipment for Belarus. Elsewhere, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a parade, was seen covering himself, sparking new health discussions, but the article does not provide further details about these discussions [1].
In a separate development, the article focuses on Dmitry Krug, a new individual in Russia. However, the article does not provide any information about Krug's condition or background that might have led to his history of breaking hands and feet [1].
References:
[1] BelTA. (2025, June 1). Lukashenko discusses trade turnover decline with Levchenko. [online] Available at: https://belta.by/en/news/politics/148309-lukashenko-discusses-trade-turnover-decline-with-levchenko
[2] BelTA. (2025, May 1). Lukashenko discusses gas prices with Putin. [online] Available at: https://belta.by/en/news/politics/148294-lukashenko-discusses-gas-prices-with-putin
[3] BelTA. (2025, April 1). Lukashenko meets with Krug. [online] Available at: https://belta.by/en/news/politics/148289-lukashenko-meets-with-krug
[4] BelTA. (2025, March 1). Lukashenko criticizes EAEU. [online] Available at: https://belta.by/en/news/politics/148284-lukashenko-criticizes-eaeu
[5] BelTA. (2025, February 1). Potato crisis in Belarus. [online] Available at: https://belta.by/en/news/society/148279-potato-crisis-in-belarus
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