Franak Viachorka

Franak Viacorka, a Belarusian opposition figure, sheds light on the implications of Trump easing sanctions and whether it grants legitimacy to Lukashenko. Mark Episkopos discusses the shift in U.S. policy towards pragmatic engagement and its potential to improve human rights dialogue. Andrey Kortunov explores how this move might provoke the Kremlin and its effects on negotiations regarding Ukraine. The guests also debate the humanitarian aspects of the decision, the sidelining of Europe, and what it means for future interactions with authoritarian regimes.

Franak Viachorka, a seasoned Belarusian journalist, dives into the whirlwind of political unrest following the controversial election that saw Alexander Lukashenko clinging to power. He highlights the extraordinary rise of Svetlana Tighanovskaia, a homemaker turned political figure, and her flight abroad after the election turmoil. Viachorka discusses the grassroots movement sparked by public discontent during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the citizens’ resilience in challenging the oppressive regime. The conversation sheds light on the ongoing struggle for democracy and identity in Belarus.