I wouldn't like to appear too pessimistic with regards to the Belarusian-Russian relationship, but their best, the 'special siblings chapter' may be over, or at least for now. The obvious drift had started just after the 2006 re-election on Mr Lukashenko, even the 'return' of "nukes" back to Russia in 1994 wasn't that bad. The EU and US were sceptical about results and in favour of the votes re-counting, while Mr Putin was first to congratulate the re-elected Belarusian President. And then... it became somewhat gradually inconvenient for Russia to become closely associated with the old good kind of Soviet stereotype presidency from Minsk. Both countries started to turn towards Europe and both had to shake off any stereotypes. Lord Bell has helped a great deal to 'improve' the Lukashenko's image abroad, by his own words he's found "Belarus with a nice atmosphere to it" and "the Belarusian officials very friendly and pleasant to work with". He believed that the West shows double-standards towards Belarus and Russia. The "gas war" with Ukraine undermined the reliability of the Russian gas supply to Europe significantly, and Russia had to re-set her strategy to return the lost European confidence. Belarus was privileged enough to enjoy the cut prices derived from the brotherly history and supported by Slavic loyalty, but it all had to be changed due to the prospect of cooperation with the West. In some respect, they can be seen as two rivals competing for the same 'customer'. But what is essential for both independent countries emerging from their Soviet past is, first of all, to maintain a 'code' of business ethics and neutrality. The "pies and sausages" insults and appearances on the Georgian TV can be considered as insensitive, at best, for people in these countries, but these people aren't ready to "burn the bridges" that once united them.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the relationship between Russian and Belorushian people. And presidents come and go, so will this one. It's a very good idea to support his opponent, as he is creating artificial obstacles in the way of both countries' development and is actually harming the prospects of his own people by being unreasonable. Being inflexible and difficult is a very poor trait for a politician. I think, Belorussians may already see that.