In a recent interview, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reiterated that he harbors no regrets about allowing Russia to use his country as a launchpad for the invasion of Ukraine. This controversial declaration comes on the heels of a widely criticized presidential election, which is expected to extend his iron-fisted rule over the country for an unprecedented 31 years.
The controversial remarks made by the 70-year-old autocrat during a four-hour press conference have sparked both domestic and international condemnation, especially as Belarus continues to grapple with increasing international isolation. The European Union, in particular, has been vocal about its opposition to Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime, deeming Sunday’s elections a “sham” designed to secure another term for the president.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock sharply criticized the elections, describing the vote as a “bitter day for all those who long for freedom and democracy.” She emphasized that the Belarusian people had no choice in the matter, noting that they have instead been subjected to ongoing oppression and human rights abuses. Meanwhile, EU’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas echoed Baerbock’s sentiment, adding that the European Union would continue its sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime, which many consider to be complicit in facilitating Russia’s aggressive military campaign against Ukraine.
A Tight Grip on Power
Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule began in 1994 when he took office as the first president of Belarus following the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. His grip on power has been marked by an increasing reliance on repression, particularly following the widespread protests in 2020, when hundreds of thousands of Belarusians took to the streets to protest what they saw as a fraudulent election.
The subsequent violent crackdown by Lukashenko’s forces led to the imprisonment of political opponents, including prominent figures like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against him after her husband was arrested. Despite international condemnation, Lukashenko’s power has remained largely unchallenged, primarily due to his control over state institutions, the military, and security forces. After the crackdown of 2020, which resulted in the brutal suppression of the largest anti-government protests in Belarusian history, Lukashenko’s ties with Russia became even more pronounced.
In 2022, his decision to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to use Belarus as a staging ground for the invasion of Ukraine marked a significant moment in Belarus’ history. During the interview, Lukashenko staunchly defended this decision, saying he had “no regrets” about allowing Russian troops to invade Ukraine from Belarusian territory. Referring to Putin as his “older brother,” Lukashenko dismissed the idea of altering Belarus’ support for Russia. This unyielding allegiance to the Kremlin has further distanced Belarus from the West, drawing harsh sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy. In a clear effort to solidify his autocratic rule, Lukashenko has now completed yet another presidential election. As expected, the results of the election showed him winning a staggering 87.6% of the vote, a result widely criticized as fraudulent.
The international community, including leaders from the European Union, condemned the election as a “sham”—an exercise in voter suppression and manipulation designed to extend Lukashenko’s reign. Kaja Kallas was quick to denounce the election as “neither free nor fair,” signaling that the EU would continue its pressure on the Lukashenko regime by maintaining economic sanctions.
Germany’s Annalena Baerbock emphasized that the Belarusian people were deprived of their fundamental rights, particularly the right to free and fair elections, which has led to the continued repression and human rights violations in the country. Lukashenko, however, remains defiant in the face of growing international pressure, suggesting that his grip on power is unshakable. At one point, he dismissed suggestions that this would be his final election, stating that he was “not about to die” and had no plans for a succession just yet. In a peculiar remark, Lukashenko stated that although there may be future presidents among Belarusian governors or members of government, he was “totally against a woman doing this job,” further fueling concerns about his misogynistic views.
Political Prisoners and International Relations
Despite Lukashenko’s defiance, there has been some movement in terms of releasing political prisoners. Over 250 political prisoners have been freed since July 2022, although more than 1,250 remain behind bars for their opposition to Lukashenko’s regime. Many see the release of these prisoners as an attempt to soften Belarus’ image in the eyes of the West, especially in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Lukashenko vehemently denied that this was a tactical move, stating that he “didn’t give a damn about the West.” One of the most notable political prisoners is Maria Kolesnikova, a prominent opposition leader who has been incarcerated since 2020.
Lukashenko’s comments on her situation have done little to assuage concerns, as he claimed she was “fine” but denied her access to adequate legal representation and family visits for an extended period. In total, nearly half a million Belarusians have fled the country since the 2020 protests, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Lithuania and Poland. Lukashenko has responded to the exodus by insisting that his country is better off without these exiles, though the significant loss of human capital and dissenting voices is a major blow to the country’s political and social landscape.
Lukashenko’s hold on power continues to be contested, particularly by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who leads the Belarusian opposition in exile. She has called for the international community to support Belarusian democracy and organize solidarity rallies in cities like Warsaw, London, Stockholm, and Vienna. In one of her recent statements, she referred to the election as “a farce built on fear, repression, and lies” and urged the Belarusian diaspora to continue its fight for freedom.
As Tsikhanouskaya and other opposition figures organize in exile, Lukashenko’s regime remains in power, emboldened by his alliance with Russia and his unyielding stance against democratic reforms. In addition to the protests abroad, the Belarusian diaspora has been active in organizing and advocating for change, though the situation in Belarus remains as repressive as ever.
A Changing Global Dynamic
Belarus’ relationship with Russia continues to be a critical aspect of the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. Lukashenko’s unflinching support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn Belarus deeper into Putin’s orbit, isolating the country from the rest of Europe. EU diplomats, including Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, have already hinted at further sanctions against Belarus, indicating that international pressure on Lukashenko is far from over.
As the political crisis in Belarus continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will react to Lukashenko’s growing repression and his alignment with Russia’s military ambitions. While sanctions and diplomatic isolation continue to hurt the Belarusian economy, the autocrat shows little sign of stepping down or changing course.
The ongoing political crisis in Belarus underscores the broader challenges facing authoritarian regimes in the post-Soviet space. Lukashenko’s refusal to regret his role in facilitating Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, combined with his iron grip on power and blatant disregard for international opinion, paints a bleak picture for the future of Belarusian democracy. As long as Lukashenko remains in power, the repression of opposition figures and the violation of human rights will continue to be central themes in the country’s political landscape. The international community must continue to hold the regime accountable and support efforts to bring about democratic change in Belarus.
