Why is Ukraine escalating relations with Lukashenka? We asked Ihar Kizim

Why has Ukraine opted for an escalation of relations with the Belarusian regime, which it previously carefully avoided? What outcome does the Ukrainian side hope for here? We asked Ihar Kizim, former Special Representative of Ukraine on Belarusian issues.

Павялічыць

The interlocutor notes that what we are observing is an adequate, though belated, reaction to Lukashenka's hostile actions towards Ukraine.

"With the changes in President Zelenskyy's Office, there have also been changes in Ukraine's policy regarding the current regime in Belarus, as well as the Belarusian case in general, including democratic forces. Besides propaganda and political provocations (for example, Lukashenka's meeting with the so-called governor of the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region), the strengthening of cooperation with the Russian Federation, the deployment of 'Oreshnik' [a type of detention facility, or possibly a military system, the context is a bit ambiguous without deeper knowledge of the original article's nuance], and permission for Russian drone operators to use Belarusian territory for attacks on Ukrainian targets were also taken into account."

Kizim calls Ukraine's actions a consolidation with the EU's sanctions policy, which has long imposed personal sanctions against Lukashenka.

"This is especially relevant now, as Europe strengthens its responsibility for European affairs against the backdrop of President Trump's policy. We [Ukrainians] want to be with Europe," comments Ihar Kizim.

The ex-ambassador believes that Ukraine should play the most active, and possibly the primary, role in the Belarusian question, as it has suffered from the Lukashenka regime's complicity in Russian aggression.

"And to play such a role, all the 'i's must be dotted. Otherwise, the Ukrainian authorities will not be perceived as a serious player at the regional and European level, including within the framework of the peace process and post-war settlement."

The policy of "not angering the old man," according to Ihar Kizim, lost its relevance at least a year ago.

"Recall Zelenskyy's New Year's address and his 'Zhive Belarus!' [Long Live Belarus!] or the official announcement of non-recognition of Lukashenka's so-called elections in 2025, and so on. That is, the groundwork was being prepared. And now everything has converged in one place at one time – changes in the Office, Trump's policy, and Russian drones. But this should also be a signal to Lukashenka: Ukraine still has ways to react to his 'stupidities' and inadequate behavior."

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