Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made statements that suggest that he considers Belarus to be part of the "Russian world" or the "Russian sphere of influence." In a 2014 speech, he said that "Belarus and Russia are one people," and he has repeatedly called for closer political and economic integration between the two countries.

In 2020, Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a treaty that created a "Union State" between the two countries. The treaty gives Russia and Belarus greater control over each other's economies and militaries, and it paves the way for further integration in the future.

Some analysts believe that Putin's goal is to eventually annex Belarus into Russia. However, others believe that he is content with the current arrangement, which gives him a great deal of influence over Belarus without having to actually annex it.

It is difficult to say definitively whether Putin considers Belarus to be part of the "Russian Empire." However, his statements and actions suggest that he does view Belarus as a close ally and that he is interested in increasing Russia's influence in the country.

Here are some specific examples of Putin's statements and actions that suggest he considers Belarus to be part of the "Russian Empire":

• In a 2014 speech, Putin said that "Belarus and Russia are one people."
• In 2015, Putin said that "Belarus is a part of our common history, our common culture, and our common space."
• In 2019, Putin said that "Belarus is our closest ally and strategic partner."
• In 2020, Putin and Lukashenko signed a treaty that created a "Union State" between the two countries.

These statements and actions suggest that Putin views Belarus as a close ally and that he is interested in increasing Russia's influence in the country. It is possible that Putin's ultimate goal is to annex Belarus into Russia, but it is also possible that he is content with the current arrangement, which gives him a great deal of influence over Belarus without having to actually annex it.

Only time will tell what Putin's true intentions are for Belarus. However, his statements and actions suggest that he considers Belarus to be an important part of the "Russian world."