Lukashenko will gladly let Putin use Belarus to attack Ukraine – Belarusian opposition leader

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has warned of a real threat of increased Russian provocations against Ukraine from Belarusian territory.

Source: Tsikhanouskaya on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, as quoted by Ukrinform

Quote: "Of course, this is a real possibility. If Russia at some point again wants to attack Ukraine in any way from the northern border, then [self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko will be very happy to provide territory, logistics, and Belarusian infrastructure to help [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin achieve his goals and intentions."

Details: Tsikhanouskaya said that hopes that Lukashenko can be distanced from Putin are futile.

"It is impossible because they have this special symbiotic friendship; they use each other, and they need each other," she explained.

She also pointed out that Belarusian infrastructure – "logistics and antennas for directing drones – is already being used, and at any moment, if the Kremlin needs it, Belarusian capabilities will be used".

According to Tsikhanouskaya, repeaters are being installed not only along the border with Ukraine but also along the border with European Union countries.

Quote: "So, the escalation or provocation may not only be against Ukraine but also against European countries. And, of course, we need to closely monitor what is happening in Belarus."

Details: Asked whether Lukashenko was acting out of fear of Putin, she answered in the affirmative, while stressing that this in no way justifies his policies.

Quote: "He has allowed Russia to penetrate our Belarusian system – the media, education, economy, and defence industry – meaning that he is allowing Russia to quietly occupy Belarus. Russification is being carried out intensively in our country – all of this with Lukashenko's consent."

Details: Tsikhanouskaya believes that Lukashenko is not interested in Ukraine's victory because Russia is his main ally and supports him economically and politically.

"He would, of course, like Russia to win," she stressed.

Lukashenko, in her view, "understands that Ukraine's victory would be a catastrophe for him personally, because a weakened Putin would mean less support for the regime in Belarus".

She also noted that Lukashenko benefits from the war, "making money from the blood of Ukrainians". She noted that 500-600 Belarusian companies produce optics and microchips, purchase various components for Russia's military machine while bypassing sanctions and supply Russia with petroleum products. In addition, the Belarusian regime is also building warehouses for Russia's largest online retailer Wildberries.

Background: At the beginning of September, Tsikhanouskaya said that Russia could use Belarusian territory and military infrastructure for provocations against NATO countries and further escalation of tensions.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!