On August 6, the Veza Public Analytics Center hosted a broadcast with director Valeriy Klochok and political scientist-historian Yevhen Magda. The conversation focused on current Belarus-Ukraine relations, historical context, and the military-political situation.
Magda pointed out the lack of research and state policy in Ukraine regarding Belarus, highlighting limited knowledge and the proximity of languages and shared issues. Reviewing historical developments, he recalled 20th-century events, common tragedies like Chernobyl, wartime losses, and different developmental strategies after 1994.
A key topic was the military threat from Belarus. Magda stressed that the regular "Zapad" exercises in Belarus attract attention, but currently, the direct threat of a renewed invasion is minimal. However, the situation depends on the war’s dynamics and possible troop movements.
The discussion covered Russia’s political influence on Belarus, economic ties, Lukashenko’s role, and the legislative escalation within the Union State. Magda also noted the presence of foreign troops (such as Chinese and North Korean) at Belarusian drills as a political pressure tool and a signal to the West.
Overall, the expert believes that Belarus must remain in focus for Ukraine and Lublin Triangle partners, and that without a democratic Belarus, the security of Ukraine and Europe is at risk.
