DISINFO: The West is preparing a forceful change of power in Belarus
SUMMARY
In Poland, Lithuania and, unfortunately, in Ukraine, members of illegal armed groups are being trained, and attempts are being made to create extremist cells directly in Belarus. Recent evidence bears this out. The West is preparing a forceful scenario for the change of power in Belarus.
RESPONSE
This message is part of a widespread disinformation narrative about the aggressive West vis-à-vis Belarus.
There is no evidence that the West is preparing a coup or so-called colour revolution in Belarus.
Western countries are not interfering, but reacting to events in Belarus. Western democracies advocate a peaceful transformation in Belarus. The European Union stands with the people of Belarus and condemns all forms of repression against them. The EU member states perceive the situation in Belarus in a unanimous way, appealing to the Belarusian authorities to stop violence, release political prisoners and organise democratic elections in Belarus.
The European Union is interested in a free and democratic Belarus, but it also underlines that the power transfer should be peaceful.
Poland and the Baltic States adhere to international law regarding state borders, fully support the independence and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries, and reject any “imperial” ambitions toward other countries.
There is no evidence that the Belarusian citizens living abroad are being prepared for a coup. The Belarusian citizens, who were forced to leave their country because of Lukashenka’s repressions, promote their political agenda through various civilian (not military) actions (founding NGOs, public associations, organising peaceful manifestations, etc.).
See earlier disinformation cases alleging that Warsaw is preparing to set up a rebellion in Belarus, that The West is preparing to invade Belarus to destroy the country, that Poland has aggressive military plans against Belarus, that Poland shut border crossing with Belarus because of imperialism and territorial claims and that Nuclear weapons in Belarus are justified because of territorial claims of Poland.