DISINFO: The US influenced Poland and the Baltics to recognise Tsikhanouskaya
SUMMARY
Under the US influence, the Baltic States and Poland recognised Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya as president of Belarus. The West helped her to receive 10% in the elections. The European Parliament with its resolution will no longer recognise Lukashenka after his term officially expires.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative on Belarus and Tikhanovskaya. Often presented as American vassals or puppet states, Poland and the Baltic States are independent states, which shape their own foreign and domestic policies. The US is an important ally to the EU but EU policy is not determined by the US, as explained by the EU High Representative. Poland and the Baltic States support the independence and territorial integrity of Belarus. Poland and Lithuania, as well as the EU, have expressed their support to people protesting in Belarus. There is no evidence that Poland, Lithuania or any other Western governments including the US are involved in any way in the protests in Belarus. The EU will not recognise the results of the Belarusian presidential elections and considers Lukashenko an illegitimate President. The European Council condemned the violence against peaceful protesters and announced that it would soon adopt a list of sanctions for those responsible for violence in Belarus. "As the elections in Belarus were neither free nor fair, and did not meet international standards, the EU does not recognise the results presented by the Belarus authorities," states the European Council press release.