Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko perceives soldiers fighting for Ukraine as a direct threat to his regime, leading to aggressive actions against them, including the recent extradition of Vasil Verameichyk from Vietnam. The regime’s targeting of these volunteers stems from the fear of organized resistance. Despite his oppressive measures, Lukashenko’s increasing reliance on Russia complicates his efforts to maintain authority as he seeks engagement with the West.
Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus’s long-standing dictator, perceives Belarusian volunteers fighting for Ukraine as a significant threat to his regime, labeling them as terrorists and relentlessly seeking to capture them. This determination was evident in the recent extradition of Vasil Verameichyk, a Belarusian soldier serving in a volunteer unit for Ukraine, who was forcibly taken from Vietnam back to Belarus.
Lukashenko’s actions exemplify his regime’s oppressive strategies, which have been condemned by the opposition, represented by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. She described Verameichyk’s extradition as a direct result of the regime’s repressive policies aimed at silencing dissenters, extending their reach beyond Belarus.
Verameichyk was coerced into a televised confession under the pretense of an interview, where he falsely claimed that Ukraine was plotting an invasion of Belarus with foreign support. This incident reflects the regime’s effort to undermine the credibility of Ukrainian military personnel while manipulating public perception about opposition resistance.
Lukashenko’s regime emphasizes that it will pursue any Belarusian participants in the conflict, following a November 2022 statement from Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Kubrakov, who noted that numerous Belarusians engaged in combat actions in Ukraine would face legal repercussions upon returning.
These volunteers symbolize defiance against Lukashenko’s authority and possess combat skills that could inspire future uprisings. The regime’s aggressive pursuit of these individuals stems from its fear of organized resistance similar to uprisings witnessed in other nations.
Experts, including Pavel Slunkin from the European Council on Foreign Relations, have pointed out the precarious situation for these volunteers, as they lack advocacy and protection and remain vulnerable to Belarusian and Russian security forces.
Yuliana Shemetovets of the Belarusian Cyber Partisans remarked on Lukashenko’s fear of organized rebellion, indicating that historical examples of uprisings serve as lessons for the regime’s oppressive measures toward potential dissenters.
Lukashenko utilizes strategies aimed at instilling fear within the opposition, including the targeting of former military personnel like Verameichyk. Shemetovets notes that such acts aim to intimidate others considering joining Ukraine’s efforts against Russia.
Amidst increasing ties with Russia, Lukashenko has sought to reestablish relations with the West. Recent discussions between a U.S. delegation and Belarusian officials may signal a shift; however, Lukashenko’s oppressive actions reflect a desperate need to neutralize domestic threats while proving loyalty to Moscow.
Despite an evident disdain for resistance fighters, Lukashenko currently appears limited in his ability to effectively counter them. Political analysts speculate on secret agreements that may inhibit Belarusian combatants from returning home, possibly negotiated with Ukraine.
In a recent interaction, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recounted an alleged phone call with Lukashenko following the onset of Russia’s invasion, wherein Lukashenko reportedly attempted to distance himself from missile firings from Belarus. However, Lukashenko later denied expressing any regrets and defended his regime’s authoritarian approach.
In conclusion, the crackdown on Belarusian volunteers fighting against Russian aggression underscores Alexander Lukashenko’s fears of insurgency and resistance to his rule. The regime’s relentless pursuit of these individuals, who symbolize potential rebellion against dictatorial practices, sheds light on the broader implications of Belarus’s integration with Russia and its impact on regional security dynamics. While Lukashenko’s dependence on Moscow raises questions about his grip on power, the international community’s response will significantly shape the future of Belarusian democracy and opposition movements.
Original Source: www.kyivpost.com
