Russia’s PM, Vladimir Putin, said on March 16 that “it was really expected in Russia that Belarus would have promptly, vigorously and effectively supported Russia” in recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

“We see it is not happening,” Putin said at a joint news conference with Belarusian counterpart, Sergei Sidorsky, during the visit in Belarus.

He said that it would be positive if refusal to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia would at least bring normalization of ties between Belarus and the west.

“We have always been in favor of normalization relations between Belarus and its western neighbors and the United States. And if it happens at least on these grounds [refusal to recognize breakaway regions] – it already means that there is certain positive result. Ultimately, Belarus is our neighbor; we are building union state [with Belarus] with common economic space. Normalization of relations of Belarus with the western community is worth of that,” Putin said.

Putin also said that this issue was not at all discussed during his meeting with Belarus PM Sidorsky.

EU warned Belarus against recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in early 2009.