Belarus is closing its borders with Poland and Lithuania. President Alexander Lukashenko is struggling to remain in power after waves of protests after the controversial election. Concerned about possible European Union intervention, President Lukashenko visited Russia seeking possible military assistance. The army has been posted on high alert. The border with Ukraine will also see more troops present. These actions are more complex than an authoritarian president to maintain power. Belarus is attempting to stop Baltic and Eastern European countries from having external influence in the country. Belarus wants to have closer ties both economic and political to Russia, while undermining NATO influence. Oddly, Latvia was not mentioned by Lukashenko, but as time passes relations will deteriorate. The real threat is some form of war or regime change encouraged by the EU. Protests continue and many have been jailed as a result of the presidential election. Belarus has been repressive for decades, but the sudden interest from France, Germany, and the US demonstrates an ulterior motive. Poland and Lithuania could be a launching point for a military intervention. Doing so would undermine President Vladimir Putin who remains an ally of Lukashenko. Calls for Alexander Lukashenko's resignation have been made, but he has insisted he will remain in office.
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