Russia's intelligence agency claims that Belarusian society will no longer participate in mass protests as the West seeks to diminish the ties between Minsk and Moscow.
Recently, the Russian foreign intelligence agency (SVR) warned about potential threats concerning Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka, asserting that the West is attempting to weaken the connection between Minsk and Moscow. This comes at a time when the United States is reportedly increasing cooperation with Belarusian authorities, aiming to ease sanctions in exchange for the release of political prisoners. The goal is to steer Belarus away from Russian influence, particularly in light of ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
The SVR claimed that there will be no return to mass protests in Belarus similar to those witnessed in 2020, following contested presidential elections that saw Lukashenka declared the victor while opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's husband was imprisoned. The agency posits that the Belarusian population has become 'vaccinated' against further attempts to destabilize the current regime, framing external interferences as hostile forces influencing domestic affairs.
This development highlights the complex dynamics at play in Belarusian and Russian politics, particularly regarding public sentiment and international relations. As the U.S. navigates sanctions and diplomacy, the SVR's statements reflect Russia's concern over losing influence in Belarus, especially with the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has significant implications for regional security and power balances.
