Pavel Latushka: Can change in Belarus only come with change in Moscow?
Aug 14, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Pavel Latushka, a prominent figure in Belarus's opposition movement, shares his insights on the country's fight for democracy. He argues that meaningful change in Belarus is intricately linked to shifts in Moscow's political landscape. The conversation delves into the resilience of pro-democracy activists amid ongoing repression. Latushka also highlights the crucial impact of Ukraine's struggles, the dire need for Western support, and the urgent calls for independent media to amplify the voices of Belarusian citizens.
The Belarusian opposition believes that Ukraine's victory over Russia is critical for weakening Russian influence and enabling democracy in Belarus.
Exiled Belarusian fighters, fighting alongside Ukraine, symbolize a crucial military strategy for both Belarusian freedom and the overthrow of Lukashenko's regime.
Deep dives
Belarusian Opposition's Ties to Ukraine's Victory
The Belarusian opposition views Ukraine's success against Russia as a crucial factor for initiating change within Belarus. According to leaders in the movement, a Ukrainian victory could weaken Russian influence and lead to political instability in Moscow, which may in turn open doors for Belarusian democracy. They emphasize that their struggle for democracy is intertwined with Ukraine's efforts, noting that conditions in Belarus could improve as the situation in Ukraine evolves. This shared motivation drives the belief that supporting Ukraine is also vital for achieving freedom and reform in Belarus.
Challenges to Belarusian Independence
The current regime in Belarus, led by Lukashenko, has been accused of undermining the country's independence through its alignment with Russia. Opposition figures express concern that Belarus is effectively becoming a puppet state under Russian control, stripped of its sovereignty. They stress the importance of preserving Belarusian cultural identity and independence, with an urgent need for support from Western allies to establish independent media and institutions. This struggle for autonomy is portrayed as essential not only for political freedom but also for the cultural preservation of the Belarusian people.
Military Involvement of Exiled Belarusians
Exiled Belarusian fighters, particularly those in the Kalinovsky Regiment, are seen as crucial in the struggle for Belarus's democracy. These volunteers, fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, represent a dual aspiration: the liberation of Ukraine and the eventual overthrow of Lukashenko's regime. The Belarusian opposition supports these military efforts, contemplating a future where they could serve as the backbone of a democratic army in Belarus. This reflects a broader strategy of fostering military capability as a legitimate tool in the continued fight against tyranny back home.
Stephen Sackur speaks to Pavel Latushka, a key figure in the opposition movement struggling for regime change in Belarus. The country’s authoritarian ruler Alexander Lukashenko is a staunch ally of Vladimir Putin - does that mean change in Minsk can only come with change in Moscow?
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