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Baumgertner's release from jail was demanded by Kremlin, expert suggests

The release of Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgertner from the detention center of the Committee for State Security was demanded by the Kremlin, suggested political analyst Valery Karbalevich.

The 41-year-old executive was freed from the jail and placed under house arrest in Minsk on the night between September 25 and 26, hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to arrive in Belarus to observe a joint military exercise.

"In my opinion, Baumgertner's release and placement under house arrest was the Russian side's strict condition," Mr. Karbalevich told BelaPAN. "Had the Uralkali CEO remained in jail, Putin would not have come to Belarus to observe the Zapad 2013 Belarusian-Russian joint exercise."

He added that Minsk had been reluctant to make concessions and completely free Mr. Baumgertner.

"As a result a compromise was found," said the expert. "Baumgertner is now not in jail but is not free either."

Mr. Karbalevich said that Minsk hoped to receive compensation from Uralkali over the break-up of the Russian potash company's joint sales cartel with Salihorsk-based Belaruskali, or even force Uralkali to restore the alliance.

However, he added, the main reason for the Belarusian authorities' reluctance to send Mr. Baumgertner to Russia is Alyaksandr Lukashenka's "desire to get a psychological victory over Putin." According to the expert, Mr. Lukashenka enjoys receiving requests for concessions from the leader of a major world power.