Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader, has issued a dire warning to the European Union and NATO about the growing threat posed by Russia and Belarus. Speaking exclusively to Euronews, Tsikhanouskaya cautioned that sacrificing Ukraine’s interests now would embolden Russia and potentially lead to future invasions across Europe, including the EU and NATO countries.
Tsikhanouskaya argued that as long as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko remains in power, Belarusian territory could once again be used by Russia as a staging ground for military attacks. This situation mirrors the early stages of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when Russian forces used Belarusian land to launch the invasion. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that the threat from Belarus remains very real, and the EU and NATO must act decisively to address it.
The Growing Threat from Belarus and Russia
Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the critical role Belarus plays in Russia’s military ambitions. “As long as Lukashenko is in power, Belarus will continue to serve as a launching pad for Russian military aggression,” she said. Her remarks come amid increasing concerns from Ukraine and the international community over Russia’s next moves.
At the Munich Security Conference in February, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia is preparing for a major military escalation. Zelenskyy specifically pointed to Belarus as a possible launchpad for Russian attacks on Ukraine, Poland, or other NATO members. “We clearly understand what the Russians are going to do with Belarus,” Zelenskyy said, revealing that Russia is preparing 100,000 to 150,000 troops to escalate tensions on Belarus’s western border.
In early 2022, Belarus allowed Russian forces to stage “military drills” on its soil, which were later revealed to be a cover for the planned invasion of Ukraine. Tsikhanouskaya insists that the situation has not changed, and the threat of Belarusian complicity in future Russian aggression is still very much present.
The Consequences of Sacrificing Ukraine’s Interests
Tsikhanouskaya warned that if the EU and NATO fail to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty now, it could have dire consequences for the future of European security. “If Ukraine’s interests are sacrificed today, it will embolden Russia,” she said. “This will allow them to regroup, strengthen their forces, and launch further invasions or use blackmail to destabilize the region.”
She added that Europe cannot afford to make concessions to Russia, as it would signal weakness and a lack of resolve in defending territorial integrity. “If we allow Russia to maintain control over Ukrainian territories, it will show that the democratic world cannot respond decisively to aggression,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “This could set a dangerous precedent for future invasions, not only in Ukraine but also in other parts of Europe.”
Zelenskyy’s Concerns Over Russian Escalation
Zelenskyy’s warnings reflect growing concerns about Russian military activities in Belarus and the potential for further escalation. Zelenskyy stated that Russia is preparing for significant military action in the near future, targeting Ukraine, Poland, or the Baltic states. “Russia is not just planning to attack Ukraine again—they could also target NATO countries. This is a serious threat,” he said at the Munich Security Conference.
Tsikhanouskaya echoed these concerns, calling for a united international response to prevent further escalation. She believes that a failure to stand firm now would pave the way for greater Russian influence in Europe, ultimately threatening the security of all NATO and EU countries.
The Urgent Need for EU and NATO Action
The Belarusian opposition leader stressed that the EU and NATO must act urgently to dismantle Lukashenko’s regime to ensure that Belarus is no longer a tool for Russian aggression. “As long as Lukashenko remains in power, Belarus will continue to be a source of security threats and blackmail,” she warned.
Tsikhanouskaya’s comments come as the EU and NATO face critical decisions about their future security posture and their response to Russian actions in Ukraine and Belarus. The EU must not only support Ukraine’s territorial integrity but also take steps to ensure that Belarus does not become a launchpad for further Russian military action.
Key Takeaways:
- Belarus as a Launchpad: Tsikhanouskaya warns that Belarus could once again be used by Russia for military aggression against Ukraine and NATO countries.
- Zelenskyy’s Warning: Ukraine’s President states that Russia is preparing for a major escalation, with Belarus as a key part of their strategy.
- Sacrificing Ukraine’s Interests: Tsikhanouskaya emphasizes that compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty now will embolden Russia, leading to future invasions in Europe.
- Urgent Need for Action: The EU and NATO must act decisively to counter Russian aggression and prevent further threats to European security.
The ongoing situation in Belarus and Ukraine continues to pose a significant risk to European stability. The EU and NATO must take a firm stand to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure that Belarus does not become a conduit for further Russian aggression. The decisions made now will have long-lasting implications for European security.