The farmers' markets in Belarus are bustling with people, showing a scene of busy activity. 1 Belarusian ruble equals 2.45 Chinese yuan. This is not the exchange rate of the Russian ruble. In Belarus, potatoes cost 3 rubles per kilogram, which is 7.4 Chinese yuan per kilogram, equivalent to 3.7 yuan per catty. This is quite an expensive price for potatoes. In China, potatoes are already considered expensive at 1.5 to 2 yuan per catty, and even 1 yuan per catty can be found. It's clear that the prices in Belarus are indeed higher than in China.
Potatoes can be considered a staple food for the Slavic nations. At least for the East Slavs, potatoes hold an unshakable position as a staple food, just like steamed buns in the north and rice in the south for us. Belarus and Russia treat potatoes as their staple food, eating them cooked, and generally do not cook them as a vegetable.
The country of Belarus has remained calm during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, without rashly joining the war. Instead, it continues to maintain its situation as a small country in Eastern Europe, struggling to sustain itself. However, it is evident that, no matter how much influence there is, it is the impact on prices, and the prices in Belarus have indeed increased significantly. Especially the potato, which is most concerned about people's livelihood, has seen a sharp increase in price due to the reduction in production caused by the seed issue in 2025.
Additionally, Russia is also experiencing severe potato shortages, probably with the same problem, both countries have experienced potato shortfalls. Therefore, Russia has chosen to import large quantities of potatoes from China to cope with the emergency. Belarus, on the other hand, imports potatoes from the European side, but it's like a distant water cannot quench immediate thirst, all for survival.
Belarus is now considered an independent country, but it somewhat resembles a satellite state of Russia or a semi-federated state. However, it is clear that Belarus still wants to maintain its independent status and does not want to be completely controlled by Russia.
As of now, Russia's population, area, and various forces are not as strong as Ukraine. The fierce fighting on the Ukraine-Russia battlefield was not expected before. Belarus is far behind, its economic development is not fast enough, and the average income is low, so life is not easy.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838501029181440/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.