If there are two countries in the world that have the potential to successfully merge, they are Russia and Belarus. The relationship between the two is extremely close, as if they are a pair of inseparable lovers. Their historical origins are also closely intertwined and inseparable.
Relations between Russia and Belarus go back to the distant past, and they have experienced many ups and downs together and overcome countless challenges together. This deep affection and mutual support is one of the important reasons for their close relationship.
In the long course of history, they have jointly resisted foreign enemies and defended their territory and national dignity. This shared historical memory and experience brings them closer together, forming a special bond.
And now, against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the relationship between Russia and Belarus is particularly eye-catching. Belarus has not only publicly expressed its support for Russia, but has also given Russia a lot of help in practical actions. How can this kind of mutual aid and cooperation that goes deep into the bone marrow be done if it is not based on a rock-solid brotherhood?
Judging by the name, there is only one word difference between Russia and Belarus, that is, there is an extra word "white" in front of "Russia". The word "white" has a special meaning in the minds of Belarusians, as it means that they consider themselves to have a purer ancient Slavic blood than Russians.
In ancient times, Belarusians liked to wear bleached linen garments and white leggings, which is where the word "white" in their name comes from. This unique costume culture is an important symbol of Belarusian identity and one of the marks that distinguish them from other Slavic peoples.
In addition to the difference in name, Russia and Belarus are also different in other ways. For example, their political systems, economic development models, cultural traditions, etc. are different. However, from the perspective of historical origins, Russia and Belarus are actually one family.
In the vast Eastern European plain of the 6th-7th centuries AD, the Slavic peoples lived a peaceful life. However, over time, the rise of the Persian Empire changed all that. This powerful empire began to put pressure on the Slavic peoples, driving them out in a big way. Faced with such a threat, the early Slavs had to leave their familiar homeland and embark on a mass migration.
From the territory of Belarus, they migrated along different routes in the southern- and easternerly directions of Europe. Some choose to head south, into the Balkans and northern Italy; Some choose to go east, into the Russian plain and the Ukrainian regions; Still others choose to go west, into places like Poland and the Czech Republic.
This migration led to the integration of the Slavs into several ethnic groups. Those to the east are called Eastern Slavs and mainly include Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians; Those to the south are called South Slavs and mainly include Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes; Those to the west were called West Slavs and consisted mainly of Poles, Czechs, and Slovaks.
In the distant year 882 AD, the Eastern Slavs set foot on a mysterious land, and with their tenacity and indomitable spirit, they established their first homeland on this barren land, which they named "Kievan Rus' Principality". This was the beginning of Russia as we know it today, and at the same time, the historical predecessors of Belarus and Ukraine.
Time flies, around the 10th century, and the land is once again alive and well. The Slavs gradually merged with the local Baltic tribes, creating a completely new cultural atmosphere. Together, they created a new state, called the "Principality of Polotsk", which was the prototype of Belarus.
Since then, the "Ruskaya Principality" and the "Polotsk Principality" began to develop independently and advance in parallel. Their presence not only marks the expansion of the territory, but also represents the deep historical and cultural evolution of Russia and Belarus.
Around 1160 AD, China's Yuan Empire was born like a bright comet. They were invincible, and the Jin Dynasty and the Great Song Dynasty fell in this torrent. What is even more shocking is that the Mongol iron cavalry did not stop because of this, and their ambition spread to every corner of the Eurasian continent. The principality of Kievan Rus, the once prosperous city, trembled under the iron hooves of the Mongol army, and finally bowed its proud head helplessly.
The Mongol occupation of the principality of Kievan Rus' marked the beginning of a 240-year rule. During this long period of time, the blood of the Mongols and the blood of the Eastern Slavs gradually merged in conflict and fusion. In this land, two very different cultures, customs, and traditions collide to shape a new people – the Russians.
Nowadays, when we look at Russia's territorial expansion, we have to admit that most of the genes behind it are derived from that glorious and bloody era. It was the rule of the Mongol Empire that infused the Russians with a strong desire for expansion and an iron-blooded spirit. This spirit, like a prairie fire, burns in the hearts of every Russian, prompting them to forge ahead and constantly open up new territories.
Fortunately, the predecessor of Belarus, the "Principality of Polotsk", was not historically ruled by the Yuan Empire, so they considered themselves to be more pure in blood than the Russians. They are proud of this, believing that their roots can be traced back to the older Polotsk family, rather than to the Russians, who later came under the rule of the Mongol Empire.
However, the "Principality of Polotsk" has not escaped the ruthlessness of history. In the 13th century, the Lithuanians swept in like a storm and quickly occupied the land. The blood of the Belarusians began to mingle with the Lithuanian nation, and this fusion lasted for 500 years.
During these 500 long years, Belarusians and Lithuanians have influenced each other, and cultures, languages and traditions have intertwined with each other. Although they may have had doubts and uneasiness at first, over time, this integration deepened, resulting in a unique Belarusian culture.
After the great shadow of the Mongol Empire disappeared, the Ruskaya principality began to emerge on the stage of history like the dawn of dawn. The vast territory is like an endless ocean, and the abundant resources are the source of the power of the rolling waves, giving the Principality of Kyiv all the ingredients to thrive.
Time flies, time flies. Over time, the Principality of Kiev grew into the Russian Empire, which was known as the "Russian Tsarist Period".
The Tsar's scepter was held high above his head like a deity, and the territory under his rule stretched from the birch forests of the east to the boundless sea of the west. In 1793, the Russian Empire defeated Lithuania on the battlefield, like a huge beast, swallowing the land of Belarus into its belly.
However, history is always full of drama. The Tsar could not foresee the future changes. He thought that this land would always belong to the Russian Empire, but more than a hundred years later, the Belarusian lands that were once occupied by the tsars turned out to be in the hands of the Belarusians.
In 1917, the great ship of history left a deep mark on the vast land of Russia. That year, the October Revolution shook the world like a spring thunder, the rule of the Tsar was overshadowed by the voice of the people, and a new era began on the land of Russia.
With the abdication of the Tsar, the peoples were like birds breaking free from their shackles, and they built new states according to their own wishes. Ethnic Russians, ethnic Belarusians, and many other ethnic minorities have found their own skies at this historical juncture.
In the tide of national independence, Russia and Belarus successively established Soviet power, and they stood tall in the east of the world with a new look. Like the rising sun, Soviet power illuminates the whole of Russia and brings hope and inspiration to other countries.
Fast forward to 1922, when the republics of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan decided to join forces to form a superpower, the Soviet Union. This big family, composed of many nationalities and cultures, became one of the most powerful countries in the world for a time.
The founding of the Soviet Union is undoubtedly a great feat in the history of mankind. At one point, the country's total area reached a staggering 22.4 million square kilometers, larger than the total area of many countries. The strength of the Soviet Union is not only reflected in its size, but also in its strong national strength and strong military strength.
The general trend of the world will be divided after a long time", this is the iron law of history, and even the Soviet Union, which was once an invincible superpower, has not escaped. In 1991, the wheel of history turned particularly heavily at this moment. Internal and external troubles are like beasts of prey, tearing at this former giant, exhausting him, and finally moving towards the fate of disintegration.
At that time, the Soviet Union was like a huge iceberg, which gradually melted under the impact of warm currents. The domestic economic predicament, the rigidity of the political system, and the intensification of the political system are like three mountains pressing on the Soviet Union.
And the outside world is not calm, the infiltration of Western forces and the rise of national separatism are like storms trying to break this iceberg.
Finally, in the cold winter of 1991, the iceberg of the Soviet Union completely collapsed. Many of the countries of the alliance broke free and declared their independence. Their flags fluttered in the cold wind, heralding the dawn of a new era. And in this historical context, a completely new country was born - Ukraine.
Having broken away from the Soviet Union, Belarus once appeared shaky on the world stage, and the future direction of the country was uncertain. At that time, Belarus regarded Russia as its worst enemy, believing that Russian control was a yoke for their development.
So, they struggled to find a way out of this control, and set their sights on Western Europe, hoping to find a new home there. In the torrent of history, this vision of Belarus finally disappeared into thin air like a burst foam.
However, in the face of a sharp economic downturn, Belarus had to re-examine its options. They began to turn around, seeking proximity to Russia, hoping to stabilize the economic situation at home with Russia's help.
Since Lukashenko took office in Belarus in 1994, relations between Russia and Belarus have entered a stage of close cooperation, with a series of alliance treaties signed, and relations between the two countries are blooming like spring flowers.
It is precisely because Russia and Belarus have such deep historical ties that we can't help but imagine that if there really are two countries in the world that can merge, then Russia and Belarus are undoubtedly very likely candidates. Their integration is not only a simple union between countries, but also a transmission of historical memory and culture.
In terms of geography, resources, economy, science and technology, and military aspects, both Russia and Belarus have significant advantages. They are like a pair of powerful warriors who fight side by side, complementing each other and being extremely powerful. Imagine what it would be like when these two powerful forces came together. It would be an irresistible force, a force that would shake the world.
And the impact of this merger extends far beyond the national level. From a geopolitical point of view, the accession of Belarus will greatly strengthen Russia's geostrategic position. It will not only help maintain regional stability, but is more likely to become an important force in ensuring peace and tranquility in Eurasia.
Therefore, there is reason to believe that if Russia and Belarus really merge, it will be a superpower, a new beginning full of hope and opportunities.