Lukashenko Predicts US Dollar Collapse Amid Strategic Military Moves

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has once again predicted the imminent collapse of the US dollar, a narrative deeply rooted in Soviet-era propaganda. This rhetoric, often used to distract from domestic economic issues, was echoed during the All Belarusian People's Assembly in Minsk on April 25.

During the assembly, which was broadcast live on YouTube, Lukashenko emphasized the necessity of preserving Belarusian independence and expressed regret over the removal of strategic nuclear weapons from Belarus after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. He stated, "It was a mistake that all strategic nuclear weapons were removed from Belarus [after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991]."

The assembly also adopted a new military doctrine that includes the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil as a strategic deterrent. Lukashenko stressed that Russia's tactical nuclear weapons must remain in Belarus to ensure the country's security.

Why this matters: Lukashenko's predictions about the US dollar's collapse have significant implications for global economic stability and international relations. If the US dollar were to collapse, it could lead to a global economic crisis, widespread instability, and a shift in the balance of power among nations.

Belarus has been a vital ally to Russia, providing logistical support since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The relocation of Russian tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus marks the first time such warheads have been moved outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union, a move NATO has labeled as "dangerous and irresponsible."

Lukashenko's predictions about the US dollar's collapse are reminiscent of Soviet-era tactics used to divert attention from domestic economic challenges. His government has faced EU sanctions since 2020 as a result of repression and human rights violations, particularly following the widely disputed presidential election that year.

In a related development, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó visited Belarus on May 29, 2024, to discuss expanding ties despite the EU sanctions. Szijjártó's visit included signing an agreement on cooperation in nuclear energy, which encompasses training personnel and handling radioactive waste. He emphasized, "Our position is clear: the fewer sanctions, the more cooperation!"

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya criticized the visit, calling it "absolutely unacceptable and immoral." The 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which was widely seen as rigged, triggered mass protests and a severe government crackdown. Over 35,000 people were arrested, and thousands were beaten by police during the protests.

Belarus' leading human rights group Viasna counts about 1,400 political prisoners in the country, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Lukashenko's alignment with Russia and his predictions about the US dollar appear to be part of a broader strategy to maintain control and distract from internal issues.

Key Takeaways

• Belarusian President Lukashenko predicts US dollar collapse, echoing Soviet-era propaganda.
• Belarus adopts new military doctrine, allowing Russian nuclear weapons on its soil.
• Lukashenko's rhetoric distracts from domestic economic issues and human rights violations.
• Hungary's Foreign Minister visits Belarus, signing nuclear energy cooperation agreement despite EU sanctions.
• Belarus' opposition leader criticizes the visit, calling it "absolutely unacceptable and immoral."