Balanced News: Belarus: A Prison State in Europe

Belarusian opposition politicians and journalists were arrested and jailed in response to protests against dictator Alexander Lukashenko in 2020. Lukashenko has since suppressed the democracy movement with a crackdown on civil society organizations and independent media. In December 2020, Putin traveled to Belarus to discuss military cooperation and promised to supply Lukashenko with nuclear-capable missiles. Belarussian soldiers haven’t been directly involved in combat so far, but their involvement is possible if Ukraine attacks Belarus. Lukashenko has struck a balance between belligerent talk and moderate action, insisting Belarus will only join the war if Ukraine attacks it. This balance is dependent on Putin’s support, which has been waning in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Belarusian activists, in exile or in jail, need continued solidarity and support to keep the cause of Belarussian democracy alive.