Panicking Putin begs Belarus for potatoes, delays promised ‘unstoppable’ missiles

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine is having a growing effect on its own stability at home. A worsening food crisis has forced President Vladimir Putin to make an unusual request to his closest ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, asking for potato imports. This urgent plea has also caused a delay in the delivery of the much-talked-about Oreshnik missiles.

The food crisis in Russia has become very serious, with Express reporting major shortages of basic foods, including potatoes, which are a key part of the Russian diet. The Kremlin admitting that the country does not have enough potatoes shows how bad the economic problems have gotten because of the war and the tough sanctions placed on Russia by Western countries. This shortage is not just a small inconvenience; it is a real danger to social stability in Russia, especially for poorer people. The Kremlin has tried to make the situation seem less serious, but this has not worked, as rising prices and empty store shelves make the crisis obvious.

With this domestic crisis getting worse, Putin has asked Lukashenko for emergency potato shipments from Belarus. This unexpected request has put a lot of pressure on the already complicated relationship between the two leaders. The request shows a shift in power, revealing Putin’s weakness and his need to rely on Belarus as Russia’s economic problems grow. The Kremlin admitting to a potato shortage, something that would have once been seen as an embarrassing sign of failure, proves how bad things have become.

Russia needs potatoes from Belarus

The potato shortage is not just about national pride; it also threatens Putin’s carefully built image of strength and control. The difference between his early promises of military power and his current desperate request for potatoes highlights the gap between Russia’s bold military claims and its weakening ability to take care of its own people.

In an ironic twist, Putin’s urgent need for potatoes has directly affected the delivery of the Oreshnik missiles, a weapon system Lukashenko had earlier promised would be ready “any day now.” Lukashenko, who had said these advanced missiles would arrive soon, has now had to focus on sending potatoes to Russia instead, pushing back the expected Oreshnik deployment until at least the end of the year.

This delay, along with the lack of any clear explanation for why the missiles were not delivered on time beyond vague statements that preparations were “going as planned,” makes people doubt whether the weapon is really ready and effective. It doesn’t help that Russia’s citizens are already divided over Stalin statues, but this may be how Putin’s fear of “hanging by a lamp post” comes true.

The Oreshnik missiles, which can carry both regular and nuclear warheads, were advertised as a major new weapon system, with claims that they could hit targets in just minutes. The delay in their deployment raises questions about whether the Russian military’s claims about the missiles are true. Earlier boasts about their power are now being met with doubt, especially since the delay is clearly linked to Russia’s desperate need for potatoes.