In a significant political shift, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has appointed Sergey Glazyev as the new State Secretary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, replacing Dmitry Mezentsev. This decision was announced during a meeting on April 17, 2025, where Lukashenko expressed his confidence in Glazyev's ability to lead the integration efforts between the two nations.
Lukashenko stated, "We made the decision to appoint you as the leader and motor of our union integration in terms of leading the entire apparatus of the Union State," emphasizing the importance of Glazyev's role in fostering closer ties between Belarus and Russia.
Glazyev, who has served as the Deputy Secretary of the Union State since January 2025, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He was a member of the Board for Integration and Macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Commission from 2019 to 2024 and previously served as an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin from 2012 to 2019. His career also includes a tenure as the Minister of Foreign Economic Relations in the early 1990s.
During the announcement, Lukashenko pointed out that the decision to appoint Glazyev was made in light of Mezentsev's term ending. Mezentsev, who has held the position since March 2021, is set to take on a new role as Putin's plenipotentiary representative in the Constitutional Court.
Lukashenko conveyed his belief that the appointment of Glazyev would yield positive results, stating, "I think the effect will be good." He highlighted the necessity for Belarus and Russia to build closer relations within the framework of the Union State, arguing that such a partnership could be more effective than a unitary state.
"We are smart enough to build a unified system of interaction, to establish our relationships even closer than in a unitary state. It may be ambitious, but we must solve this task," Lukashenko remarked, indicating the urgency of strengthening bilateral ties amid global challenges.
He further underscored the importance of economic cooperation, suggesting that the movement towards a closer union should primarily be based on economic foundations. Lukashenko referred to Glazyev as an "economist from God," praising his extensive experience and professional skills.
Glazyev, now 64 years old, has been known for several controversial economic proposals throughout his career. He has been an outspoken critic of the economic reforms of the 1990s and has made headlines for his bold suggestions, such as banning the dollar in Russia and advocating for significant monetary expansion to support the economy.
His ideas, while often discussed in media circles, have frequently failed to materialize into actionable policies. Nonetheless, Glazyev's appointment signals a potential shift in economic strategy for the Union State, which aims to enhance cooperation between Belarus and Russia.
As the new State Secretary, Glazyev's immediate tasks will likely involve navigating the complex political landscape and fostering deeper integration between the two countries. His previous experience in coordinating federal executive bodies for Eurasian integration positions him well to tackle these challenges.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Mezentsev's transition to the Constitutional Court as Putin's representative marks a notable change in the political dynamics within the Union State. His previous role as State Secretary was pivotal in shaping the direction of Belarus-Russia relations, and his new position will place him at the heart of Russia's judicial processes.
In light of these developments, analysts are closely monitoring the implications of Glazyev's appointment on the future of Belarus-Russia relations. The emphasis on economic collaboration suggests a strategic pivot that could redefine the partnership between the two nations, especially as they face external pressures from Western nations.
In conclusion, the appointment of Sergey Glazyev as State Secretary of the Union State represents a significant moment in Belarusian and Russian politics. With expectations high for enhanced cooperation and integration, both leaders will be keen to demonstrate the effectiveness of their new leadership arrangements in navigating the geopolitical landscape.
