With Belarus in Turmoil, Russia Sees Chance to Expand its Influence

MOSCOW—As disputes raged in Belarus over the dealing with of the weekend’s presidential election, Russia moved swiftly to congratulate President Alexander Lukashenko for his electoral win and press for stronger ties with its neighbor forward of what’s anticipated to be a second night time of protests.

Russia and Belarus are intently linked by language and tradition. Belarus was as soon as a Soviet state and is strategically positioned in the middle of Eastern Europe, on Russia’s western flank. In latest years, Mr. Lukashenko has sought a better relationship…