Key Events: April 12-18
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Belarusian KGB detains leader of opposition party, Political analyst
U.S.-Belarusian lawyer ‘abducted’ in Moscow, transferred to Minsk
Russian FSB detains two individuals plotting coup in Belarus, assassination of Lukashenka
In a story developing over the week, Belarusian and Russian security services detained three individuals alleged to have been plotting a military coup in Belarus and an assassination of Belarus’ dictatorLukashenka. These alleged assassination plotters included: Yuri Zyankovich, a dual Belarus and US Citizen and a former activist who immigrated to the US in 2007 to become an immigration lawyer; Alexander Feduta, a literary critic and a political analyst, who was a member of the first Lukashenka election campaign back in 1994; Ryhor Kastusiou, leader of the BPF Party. According to the Russian FSB, the coup was meant to occur during the Victory Day Parade on May 9 in Minsk.
Belarus and US
Apr 16: Julie Fisher, first U.S. Ambassador to Belarus since 2008, awaits travel to Minsk
Julie Fisher, the first US Ambassador to Belarus since 2008, spoke to NPR. Fisher discussed the challenges of the US relation with Belarus and stated that Belarus plays “an absolutely critical role” for the security of Europe.
In his appearance on state TV on April 17, Lukashenka claimed that he and his children were the targets of the alleged assassination plot but offered no evidence. Lukashenka blamed the US political leadership and US President Joe Biden for plotting an assassination attempt on him. He also stated that he will soon announce, once formalized, one of the “most vital decisions of his political tenure of the last 25 years.” He referred to the fact that the results of the decision would stay in place regardless of whether he lives or dies. He provided no further details.
The US State Department denied involvement in any plots against Lukashenka and argued that any suggestion to the contrary was “absolutely untrue.” The US citizen Yuri Zenkovich, who is suspected of planning an assassination attack on Lukashenka, will be offered all the necessary consular assistance.
Belarus and Russia
Apr 14: US intel report: ‘Russia is well positioned to intervene in Belarus if it deems necessary’
While not seeking direct military confrontation, Moscow continues to push its agenda for establishing and enhancing influence on the former USSR landscape. It relies on the combination of military cooperation programs, energy dependence, operation of mercenaries, and even assassinations to achieve its goals. The security analysis suggests that Kremlin is always ready to “insert itself into crises when Russian interests are at stake.”
Apr 14: Belarus is the new front in Putin’s war against Ukraine
Reports surfaced that Belarus follows Russia in amassing troops on the Ukrainian border. Belarus has been hosting joint military exercises with Russia amid the deteriorating relations between Russia and Ukraine.
Apr 16: Russian, Belarusian leaders to meet in Moscow next week
Putin and Lukashenka will meet on April 22 in Moscow. Belarusian state news agency BelTA quoted Lukashenka as telling visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that he would meet Putin to discuss “certain problems.”
Apr 16: Russia, Belarus draw up roadmap for integration in Oil Industry - Novak
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that “We have already signed a roadmap for electrical energy, while a roadmap for oil and oil products is waiting to be signed.”
Belarus and Poland
Apr 14: FM confirms detention, transport to Minsk of Polish activist and wife
The Belarusian authorities arrested Andrzej Pisalnik, a member of the Union of Poles in Belarus, and his wife, Iness Todry-Pisalnik. Recent arrests of the ZPB members fuel fears that the Belarusian authorities started a persecution campaign against the Polish minority in Belarus.
Apr 14: Poland denies entering air space of Belarus
The Belarusian authorities continue to escalate tensions with the Republic of Poland. The Belarus Ministry of Defence accused Poland of violation of Belarus’s air space. Polish authorities deny the allegations.
Other in Belarus
Apr 12: Belarusian foreign minister Makei makes several remarks on state television in regard to the pressure being put on the regime by the Western countries https://belarusfeed.com/foreign-minister-makei-ukashenko-won-election/
In his interview on State television, Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei accused “European partners” of destructive actions and stated that escalating pressure on the regime would result in the fact that “there will be no civil society [in Belarus], about which our European partners are so concerned.”
Apr 12: In latest salvo against media, Belarus takes Euronews off the air
The Euronews network will no longer be allowed to broadcast in Belarus. Continuing their crackdown on independent media, the Belarusian authorities revoked Euronews’ broadcasting license. The Russian network Pobeda (Victory) will take its place. The Pobeda channel keeps its focus on the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945 in Russian state propaganda against the West.
Apr 12: Tsikhanouskaya associates reject charges as trial starts in Belarus
Four former members of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s 2020 presidential campaign team pleaded not guilty to the alleged charges of organizing a protest, the seizure of a building, and public insult of an official. All four were arrested days before the August presidential elections in Belarus. Their trial started on April 12 in the city of Homel.
Apr 16: Babaryka’s, Kalesnikava’s lawyer Illya Salei not under house arrest anymore
Illya Salei, a legal representative of the presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka and the opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, was released from house arrest. Salei was arrested for his activity as a part of the Coordination Council. After Lukashenka’s prison visit to speak with opposition leaders in October 2020, Salei was released from prison but placed under house arrest. He stayed in his apartment for seven months.
Apr 16: Belarus lawmakers approve second reading of draconian bills to limit freedoms
The Belarusian lawmakers approved the second reading of the amendments severely restricting civil liberties. Insulting an official; participating in or organizing an unauthorized mass protest will be considered “extremist activities”. Any materials promoting unsanctioned public events that can be read, sung, or shown will be considered “extremist symbols.” The law enforcement officers will have the right to use firearms at their own discretion. Police will be allowed to create lists of individuals “inclined” to participate in the “extremist activities”. While on the list, these people will be prohibited from journalism, publishing, orteaching.
Apr 16: Belarus parliament moves to pass law banning private lawyers
The parliament of Belarus gave initial approval Friday to a law that would ban private attorneys, reducing the defense options for people charged in connection with protests and political dissent.
Community
Belarus Brief by the Association of the Belarusians in America: