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Do we recognize Lukashenko's legitimacy and capitulate?


Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador

At the New Belarus Conference, a proposal was made that was enthusiastically supported by... propagandists of the Lukashenko’s regime. And its author was even praised. What are we talking about?

We are talking about the proposal of the former speaker of the Coordination Council of the 2nd convocation Andrei Yahorau, who proposed to return European ambassadors to Belarus in exchange for the release of a certain number of political prisoners. Egorov calls this "partial legitimization" of Lukashenko. However, the appointment of an ambassador is not "partial legitimization" at all, but recognition of Lukashenko as president.

But this is not the most surprising thing about this proposal. Much more interesting is how it coincides with the theses of the same propagandists, who quite straightforwardly continue the logic of this idea and openly say what this recognition should lead to. To the self-dissolution of the institutions of democratic forces. That is, to the elimination of a political alternative to the Lukashenko’s regime.

And then, supposedly, the Lukashenko’s regime would be ready to release a certain number of political prisoners. Propagandists even name this number — up to 100 people. But if the democratic forces "behave badly" — then no more than 10. That's the framework. From 10 to 100 people.

Actually, this is the "negotiating" position of the regime: its international recognition, the appointment of ambassadors, the termination of the political activities of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Office, the dissolution of the Cabinet and the Coordination Council.

Since the conference where Egorov voiced this proposal, additional conditions have emerged. Thus, answering Zmitser Lukashuk's question on Euroradio "what else can the West offer Lukashenko in exchange for political prisoners?", Yahorau answered — a lot. This includes improving the conditions for the movement of goods, and the implementation of banking transactions (which, translated into understandable language, means the lifting of sanctions), and the financing of "humanitarian programs" through Western funds. Do appetites grow while eating?

And today, the faction of the same Yahorau (as well as Knyrovich and Prokopyev) in the Coordination Council issued a statement on non-recognition of the powers of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya after August 9, 2025. That is, in the end, their formula is: legitimization of Lukashenko and delegitimization of Tsikhanouskaya, along with the current institutions of the democratic forces.

They beautifully call all this "a change in the strategy of the democratic forces". Lobby for the recognition of the regime, lifting of sanctions and disband. And maybe someone will get out of prison. After all, the "humane" regime of Lukashenko only wants to turn the page. And to be precise, several hundred thousand pages of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

And, probably, it is just a coincidence that all this is happening against the background of Lukashenko's already ongoing "election" campaign, his preparation for the "elections". And then, when, under pressure from the new package of sanctions of the European Union, the regime was already forced to release some political prisoners.

It's high time to give up, isn't it, comrade Yahorau and company? Well, let me ask you a couple of questions:

  • Why didn't you make such a proposal when Yahorau was the speaker of the Coordination Council, but are doing it now, when you lost the elections to this body, and at a time when the key institutions of the democratic forces, including the Coordination Council, which you previously headed, contrary to the expectations of the regime and, apparently, yours too, demonstrated unity and signed a protocol on interaction?

  • Why did you start talking about this when the EU is pushing Lukashenko to the wall with new sanctions, when Poland is threatening to completely shut down trade communications, and he is preparing to "re-elect" himself in such unfavorable conditions?

  • And how do you feel about the fact that your proposals are enthusiastically met by regime propaganda?

Do you want to give up? It's your right. But I do not intend to give up with you. I will continue to fight.

 

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