Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stirred controversy by alleging a NATO conspiracy on Polish soil, a move that not only contradicts Vladimir Putin’s narrative of World War II but also underscores the intricate geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Lukashenko, entrenched as Belarus’s leader since the Soviet era, maintains a close alliance with Putin, particularly evident in Putin’s support following the contested 2020 elections and subsequent crackdown. While Lukashenko has refrained from direct involvement in Putin’s Ukraine invasion, he has permitted the use of Belarusian territory by Russian forces.
In a recent address to senior officials of Belarusian security agencies in Minsk, Lukashenko asserted that intelligence agencies from Warsaw and Washington were orchestrating provocations on Polish soil. These actions, he claimed, would be falsely attributed to Russia and Belarus.
“We are aware of various intelligence-led scenarios aimed at inciting provocations and extremist activities involving militants in Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, and we will expose them extensively,” Lukashenko remarked, as shared on social media by Ukrainian internal affairs adviser Anton Gerashchenko.
Lukashenko specifically accused Polish-American intelligence of plotting a significant provocation against Polish civilians, intending to lay blame on Russia and Belarus. He drew historical parallels, likening the alleged scheme to past fascist provocations on Poland’s borders to instigate conflicts.
Putin (Credits: AP News)
Interestingly, Lukashenko’s assertions diverge from Putin’s narrative regarding the origins of World War II. Putin recently suggested on a U.S. talk show that Adolf Hitler was “compelled” to invade Poland due to its “uncooperative” stance—a claim dismissed as baseless by Poland.
Expressing skepticism towards American motives, Lukashenko remarked, “Americans are indifferent to the fate of Ukrainians or Poles. How can Poles engage in discussions with Americans under such circumstances?” He emphasized the need to address the looming threat, disregarding potential criticism.
The clip shared by Gerashchenko prompted speculation, with Lukashenko perceived as signaling a provocation in Poland orchestrated by Western intelligence services. Such rhetoric contributes to existing tensions in the region.
Moreover, Lukashenko’s remarks about readiness for war, as reported by the Belarusian state agency Belta, raise concerns about potential Belarusian involvement in Putin’s conflict with Ukraine. This apprehension is compounded by recent agreements between Putin and Lukashenko, deepening economic integration and heightening fears of Belarus’s further dependence on Moscow.
Critics within Belarus, such as Franak Viačorka, an advisor to opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, view Lukashenko’s actions as prioritizing personal power over national interests, compromising Belarusian sovereignty.
Lukashenko’s assertions, while reflective of his close ties with Putin, exacerbate regional tensions and fuel apprehensions about Belarus’s role in the unfolding crisis.
