On the streets of Minsk, the capital of Belarus, there have been weeks of protests against Alexander Lukashenko, sometimes called the “last dictator in Europe.” Sparked by his obvious attempt to falsify an election and undercut any opposition to his 26-year rule, the protests have expanded to sporadic strikes and unprecedented calls for Mr. Lukashenko’s removal. While Belarus today appears to be undergoing an awakening similar to Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan protests, it is highly uncertain if this outpouring of discontent can oust the dictator from his post. This can only happen if the West recognizes the situation’s differences from the Ukrainian upheaval and applies pressure accordingly.
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Christopher Hartwell: Belarus has finally had enough of dictator
Belarusian diaspora members and Ukrainian activists rally in support of Belarusian protests against the results of the August 9, 2020, presidential election in Belarus in downtown Kyiv on Aug. 16, 2020.
