According to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, what Vladimir Putin desires goes beyond merely seizing territory; he also seeks compliant governments and complete Russification of these nations.
She told Euronews that although the protest movement in her country was mostly forced underground, it also means people are preparing to rise up when the time is right.
When discussing potential shifts in Russia’s dynamics impacting Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya believes that "any alterations in Russia could potentially diminish Alexander Lukashenko's position and inspire another uprising of the populace. This scenario could mirror Ukraine’s success and would also undermine both Putin and Lukashenko.”
However, transformations in Russia could also originate from changes in Belarus," Tsikhanouskaya stated, noting that there are "greater opportunities to alter the government in Belarus compared to Russia.
The continuous suppression that we've endured for nearly five years has not led people to forgive, forget, or renounce their pro-European viewpoints.
The Belarusian human rights organization Viasna reports that more than 50,000 individuals have been arrested for political reasons since large-scale demonstrations began after the 2020 presidential elections won by Lukashenko. Additionally, at least 5,472 people have faced conviction in connection with politically motivated criminal proceedings.
The UN approximates that approximately 300,000 people from Belarus have departed the nation recently, primarily heading to Poland and Lithuania.
As stated by Tsikhanouskaya, around 15 to 20 individuals continue to be held captive daily in Belarus.
She states that Lukashenko acts as though thousands of individuals are still gathered in front of his residence.
The apparent tranquility of the countryside does not imply that people have surrendered. Instead, it indicates that they are getting ready and will be prepared once an opportunity arises.
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