Dictators Understand Only the Language of Power, Says Tsikhanouskaya

by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | military, politics, politics and government, russian politics, ukraine politics

As Belarus grows more volatile within Eastern Europe, the nation becomes increasingly ensnared by Russian control, according to opposition figurehead Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s remarks during an interview with Euronews. She cautioned that this situation might position Belarus as a potential starting point for military hostilities targeting Ukraine and other Western neighboring countries.

In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed during an event in Munich that Russia intends to deploy as many as 150,000 soldiers in Belarus within the year, possibly posing a threat to NATO nations. Given Belarus’s increasingly close ties with Moscow, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya contends that the country’s autonomy is endangered, casting doubt over its prospects and the safety of surrounding states.

For Tsikhanouskaya, sanctions continue to be an essential means of preventing additional Russian aggression. She stated, “The focus is on transforming our nation, and sanctions serve as one of the most potent tools.” According to her, “A steadfast strategy is necessary when dealing with dictators; we firmly believe that sanctions should act as leverage to modify their actions.” Furthermore, she explained, “We advocate using these measures until significant progress towards negotiations occurs, aiming ultimately to secure the liberation of everyone and conduct unbiased elections,” she emphasized.
The Europe Conversation.

Recent indications of increasing integration between Russia and Belarus have sparked concerns. Although Belarusian residents can now take part in voting processes, Tsikhanouskaya views this as an incremental move towards Belarus being absorbed by Russia. She stated, “This is a gradual annexation happening with Lukashenko’s consent, knowing he acts like Putin’s marionette. He is willing to trade away our autonomy, self-governance, and nationhood simply to retain his grip on power.”

She contended that the policy of Russification has been progressively moving forward, as agreements have been reached without regard for Belarus’s national interests. “Regardless of voter turnout, these events cannot be classified as genuine elections. It is indeed alarming that Lukashenko, through his actions, is steering Belarus towards Russia,” Tsikhanouskaya stated.

Although Tsikhanouskaya doesn’t view the situation as involving direct territorial seizure akin to what happened in Ukraine, she thinks it revolves around ensuring a leadership aligned with Moscow. She explains, “Their aim is to establish a compliant administration that gives the semblance of sovereignty while having this government act according to Putin’s wishes. In essence, their objective is to create a regime that could be used anytime for additional incursions—perhaps into the European Union—or merely serve propaganda purposes. They desire nothing less than a marionette government within the nation.”

Launchpad for an invasion

At the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy delivered a strong caution that Russia could potentially utilize Belarus as a staging ground for an assault, akin to the 2022 strike against Ukraine. Tsikhanouskaya echoed these apprehensions. She stated, “As long as Lukashenko remains in control, Belarusian territory may serve once more as a starting point for an offensive either toward Ukraine or towards our western neighbors.”

The possibility of such an invasion still remains uncertain. “This situation demonstrates that the democratic world struggles to clearly state whether they would tolerate oppression or if invasions of sovereign nations can occur unchecked. They lack effective means to address this threat. There is a chance that these forces could reach the borders of the European Union.”

Tsikhanouskaya contended that autocrats only comprehend the discourse of authority, stating: “When you fail to deliver this strength, when you do not demonstrate courage and audacity, dictators will assert, ‘Very well, we shall trample over the subsequent red line.'”

Democratic aspirations remain intact

Tsikhanouskaya stayed optimistic about Belarus’ future, acknowledging that transformation could occur via multiple pathways. She stated, “Transformation in Belarus might transpire through various channels, yet the crucial aspect is that democratic entities, our community, and Europe should be ready for such transformations.”

Even though the present situation may seem challenging, Tsikhanouskaya felt that the desire for democracy in Belarus has not disappeared. She stated, “It’s important to keep in mind that those protesting in the streets are just one segment of the opposition against the government. The appearance of tranquility within the nation does not imply that citizens have surrendered; rather, they are strategizing and will be prepared once an opportunity for transformation arises.”

According to Tsikhanouskaya, there are greater opportunities for changing the government in Belarus compared to Russia.