Belarus warns Putin is destroying countries to re-create Soviet bloc under Russian flag

But Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said: “I can read between the lines and I understand the hints. “You should just say it out loud – destroy the country and become part of Russia.” Belarus – which borders both Russia and Ukraine – has been notionally been a ‘union’ state since 1997.

But Mr Lukashenko fears pressure to further integrate will destroy his nation state.

There has been rising tensions between the two nations following increased pressure on Minsk to concede further ground to the Kremlin, something Mr Lukashenko fears will undermine the county’s sovereignty.

After insisting on a third meeting this month Mr Putin said: “As has been agreed we are setting up a working group on further development of our ties in the economic area and other fields.

“In accordance with our proposal, we will work towards expansion of our plans regarding the construction of the Union State.

“I suggest that today we should discuss that issue, saying what has been done from our part.

“You said that you would give a respective instruction to the government so that the colleagues from the Belarusian side will contribute as well.”

However Mr Lukashenko distanced himself from the idea of closer ties with Russia fearing tax changes by the Kremlin will create a shortfall in their economy.

Some economists suggest Mr Putin is attempting to re-unite the old Soviet bloc under the Russian flag.

Russia has already taken control of Crimea from Ukraine and this has led to widespread unrest between the two warring nations.

Konstantin Kalachyov, head of the Political Expert Group and Kremlin adviser has backed up the concerns raised and said some politicians in Russia do not consider Belarus to be a separate nation and want to “integrate” just like they did with Crimea.

Mr Kalachyov told the Independent: “The president is worried about what will come after Lukashenko and already there are big problems.

“The economic relationship is no longer satisfactory for Russia, and ever since Crimea, Moscow has sensed Minsk no longer has its back politically.”