Andrei Sannikov: Lukashenka Created Dangerous Situation for Himself and the Country
- 21.02.2022, 15:10
Democracy will win.
The leader of the European Belarus civil campaign, former Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Sannikov commented to Radio Racyja on the presence of Russian troops in Belarus and near the borders of Ukraine.
- We have a problem on the Russian-Ukrainian and Belarusian-Ukrainian borders. Can only military force solve it, or is there still room for diplomacy? How do you assess the diplomatic measures of the EU and the US?
- I would mention the United States in the first place. It is the full merit of the USA and President Biden that there is no war yet. Such strong support for Ukraine and the fact that they're publishing all these Russian military plans stopped Russia. Because a war is already raging. A great, full-scale war has not happened because the West began to defend Ukraine's interests as well as its own. And the United States come first to do it. But the situation is still tense. I believe one cannot say everything is over. Diplomatic measures should continue, but Russia is not interested in seeking a way out and resolving the situation. Russia doesn't need that. According to Putin himself, Russia is interested in tension, not conflict resolution.
- What does Lukashenka have to do with this conflict? Why is his military rhetoric so acute?
- Lukashenka is the only person behind these imperial plans. Lukashenka poses the greatest threat to our independence, along with the Kremlin. And this has always been that way. Lukashenka has now created a highly dangerous situation for himself, but also dangerous for us and the country. And this is why he obeys Putin. This is the only thing that keeps him in power.
- Eastern Europe expert Wojciech Segen said on air today that Belarus has already lost its independence.
- I would not say it yet. Belarus is in a very difficult situation under Lukashenka's dictatorship, but it has not lost its independence. And saying that Belarus has lost its independence insults all of us - Belarusians. People who are behind bars today are in favor of independence. Lukashenka has always obeyed the Kremlin's orders. But we will be masters of our country. I'm sure of it.
- Do you still have a little bit of optimism?
- No, not a little! The fact that the protests now took place not only in Belarus but also in Kazakhstan, in the countries where dictatorial or authoritarian regimes take the floor will surely lead to a victory of democracy.