MINSK, Belarus (AP) — The leader of Belarus has accused some politicians in Russia of floating the prospect of incorporating his nation, and warned that he wouldn't let it happen.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also criticized the Kremlin's plan to raise crude oil prices for Belarus, describing it as part of efforts to persuade his country to join Russia.
Lukashenko has ruled the 10-million nation with an iron hand for nearly a quarter century, cracking down on dissent and media. He has relied on Russia's loans and cheap energy to keep Belarus' Soviet-style economy afloat.
Despite the close political, economic and military ties between the two ex-Soviet neighbors, Lukashenko has bristled at what he described as Moscow's attempts to subdue his nation.
