Journalist of Belsat TV, analyst in the sphere of national security and defence. Specialises in information warfare, propaganda, psychological operations as well as in international politics. Studies the tactics of modern warfare.
Elections in Belarus were anything but free, with no opposition candidates or independent observers, and a government disinformation campaign designed to instill fear. The opposition managed, nonetheless, to get its message to at least part of the electorate, and in spite governmental efforts, turnout was lower than expected.
Belarus has an ever increasing list of items deemed extremist, ranging from reasonable ones, like Hitler’s Mein Kampf, to rock songs that authorities see as being critical to Lukashenko’s regime.
Aleksandr Lukashenko won his seventh term as president with 86.82% of the vote and a turnout of 85.9%, results typical for dictatorial regimes. The figures were touted as proof of stability in Belarus, popular support for Lukashenko and tolerance of the opposition. However, the elections were neither free nor fair, but just a show that fooled no one.
A Minsk-based Orthodox Convent has been raising money for years to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some of the money come from activities in EU countries.
Isolated by the international community for his regime’s abuses, Belarus’ authoritarian leader is increasingly behaving as a mere governor of one of Russia’s provinces.
Alexander Lukashenko may be grooming the head of his presidential administration, Dmitry Krutoy, to be his successor. Krutoy is considered to be staunchly pro-Russian.
As Belarus is feeling the bite of Western sanctions, it seems that the Lukashenko regime is trying to improve relations with the West by “trading out” some political prisoners.