Borovik: Sanctions are equally destructive and damaging for both sides

03/12/20200 views

Any sanctions are destructive and damaging in nature. This applies not only to the countries against which they are imposed, but also to those that apply them, as they undermine trust in international relations. This comment by political analyst Vadim Borovik is published by the newspaper "SB. Belarus Today".

"At one time, Belarus, under the guarantees of the world community and major players, removed nuclear weapons from its territory. We were promised then that we would not be subjected to political and economic pressure. As we can see, agreements in the international arena mean nothing nowadays. When sanctions are imposed by individual, less influential countries, it should be understood that most of them are singing someone else's tune. But there are specific beneficiaries. Someone is fighting for markets, seeking to obtain cheap labour, someone wants to eliminate competitors, gain control over property, and in the long term, perhaps, to incorporate part of another country's territory into their own state, - noted the expert. - After all, in Belarus, the most attractive assets are under state control. This allows us to earn from exports, replenish the budget, and attract investment into the country. And if the state is weakened, the economy collapses, all this wealth can be pocketed for pennies."

Vadim Borovik emphasised that Belarus is ready for mutually beneficial trade and cooperation with all countries, including the EU. But if any discriminatory measures are taken against our country, naturally, we must react.

"Belarus is protecting the EU from illegal migrants, drug trafficking, and other threats. We could save budget funds and send everyone directly across the border, letting Europe deal with them. You see the problems they are currently facing with migrants. We are, of course, not interested in this, but we are being forced to take such measures. Let's not forget that we are in a political, economic, and military union with the largest country in the world by territory, quite influential in terms of economy and geopolitics. If we can correctly identify the levers we can use as countermeasures against Western sanctions, it will be very sensitive for our neighbours. On the other hand, Belarusian enterprises will have the opportunity, together with Russia, as well as with EAEU partners, to pay more attention to the development of import substitution, the creation of science-intensive, high-yield products and services, and thus minimise dependence on those countries that are trying to influence Belarus through sanctions. Therefore, I see no point in our neighbours creating problems for themselves," the political analyst summarised.