Treaty on the Creation of a Union State

The Treaty on the Creation of a Union State, signed between Russia and Belarus in 1999, aimed to establish a politically integrated confederation with a common currency. This union was a continuation of close ties between the two nations, with Belarus having previously been one of the founding republics of the Soviet Union.123

Following its independence in 1991, Belarus adopted a new constitution in 1994, leading to the election of Alexander Lukashenko as president. Under his leadership, Belarus pursued closer ties with Russia, entering the Union State between 1997 and 1999. While the goal of a common currency was agreed upon, the precise nature of the partnership and its impact on defense and natural resources led to disputes. Belarus's economy became closely linked to Russia's, experiencing fluctuations based on Russia's financial stability.421