He promoted his pet idea of a Eurasian union to foster economic integration with Russia's former Soviet neighbours.

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In November Russia rescued Belarus's crippled economy with a generous package, as part of Mr Putin's grand plan for a Eurasian Union that will also include Kazakhstan.

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The Eurasian Union is an open project.

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The Soviet Union has long sought to be the preeminent military and political power on Eurasian landmass.

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