I assumed Belarus was basket-casey. Apparently not:
Indeed, Belarus has not only overcome the economic slump of 2015–2016 but is experiencing accelerated growth. In January 2018, the GDP was 4.6 percent higher than in January 2017 (Tut.by, February 16). Annual change notwithstanding, it is also instructive to remember that, over the long run, Belarus has been rather an overachiever than underachiever.
Belarus carries out a balancing act enticing the West to balance Moscow to keep Russia out, but acting with Russia to keep Russia from thinking it must control Belarus directly.
A stronger economy makes Belarus more resistant to Russia and a more valuable target.
Which is something to pay attention to because I think Belarus may be the most important territory in modern Europe. Belgium a century ago may be instructive.
And notwithstanding allusions to World War II with the "Anschluss" remark, I suspect Russia would get the supporting role in that analogy.
