Lukashenko’s regime views Belarusian volunteers fighting in Ukraine as a threat, exemplified by the recent extradition of Vasil Verameichyk. His case underscores the regime’s intensified pursuit of opponents. Armed Belarusian volunteers represent symbols of resistance, posing a potential leadership risk to Lukashenko. Despite recent dialogues with the West, Lukashenko’s actions demonstrate a deep-rooted fear of dissent and commitment to authoritarianism.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko perceives Belarusian volunteers fighting for Ukraine as a threat to his regime, labeling them as terrorists and pursuing them relentlessly. The recent extradition of Vasil Verameichyk from Vietnam, a soldier who fought alongside Ukrainian forces, exemplifies this aggressive stance, reflecting the regime’s commitment to penalize those who defy its authority.
Verameichyk, who served in the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, was abducted in Vietnam in November 2024 and subsequently extradited back to Belarus. His enforced appearance on state-controlled television was framed as a propaganda effort; during this forced interview, he was coerced into confessing to false allegations about a plot involving Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
This case illustrates a pattern in Lukashenko’s regime, which has systematically targeted Belarusian fighters abroad. In a November 2022 interview, Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakov warned that approximately 160 Belarusians engaged in combat in Ukraine would face prosecution upon their return, escalating the regime’s threats to those beyond its borders.
These soldiers are viewed as dual threats by the regime. They symbolize resistance against Russian imperialism, standing in opposition to Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule. Additionally, their battlefield experience and ties with Western allies position them as potentially influential leaders in any future uprisings against the dictatorship.
Pavel Slunkin, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, emphasized the vulnerabilities faced by Belarusian volunteers, indicating a lack of protection from the Ukrainian government. Given the absence of support from other nations, these individuals risk being pursued and apprehended by the Belarusian KGB or Russian FSB.
Lukashenko’s fears of organized resistance are informed by historical uprisings. Yuliana Shemetovets from the Belarusian Cyber Partisans noted that Lukashenko is likely learning from conflicts like those in Syria and struggles faced by various leaders.
By targeting Verameichyk, Lukashenko aims to intimidate potential defenders of Ukraine and instill fear in Belarus’s democratic opposition, creating a pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and insecurity.
Lukashenko’s relationship with Russia has deepened amid the ongoing conflict, effectively making Belarus a staging area for Russian military operations. This alignment emphasizes Russia’s advancing efforts to integrate Belarus fully into its sphere of influence, which could enhance its capacity to pursue aggressive actions against Ukraine and NATO.
Simultaneously, Lukashenko appears to be exploring limited engagement with the West. A recent meeting with a U.S. delegation suggested potential negotiations around sanctions relief in exchange for the release of political prisoners. Despite this, Lukashenko’s determination to suppress Belarusian fighters underlines his desperation to neutralize perceived threats while reaffirming his loyalty to Putin.
The future trajectory of Belarusian volunteer battalions remains uncertain. There are speculations of a covert agreement between Lukashenko and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to prevent these fighters from entering Belarusian territory in exchange for not utilizing Belarus for missile launches. In previous communications, Zelensky noted attempts by Lukashenko to distance himself from Russia’s actions.
Lukashenko has denied any accountability for the actions occurring on Belarusian soil, promoting the narrative that his authoritarian governance is superior to Ukraine’s democracy while insisting that external involvement is unwelcome. Overall, his regime’s reactions highlight a deeply rooted fear of dissent among returning soldiers as well as the opposition.
In summary, the case of Vasil Verameichyk highlights the extreme measures the Lukashenko regime is willing to undertake to suppress dissent among Belarusian volunteers in Ukraine. This demonstrates a profound fear of potential uprisings fueled by battle-hardened veterans who oppose his rule. While seeking a balance with the West, the regime’s aggressive tactics serve to fortify its authoritarian stance and ensure continued allegiance to Russian interests.
Original Source: www.kyivpost.com
