Recently, Ukraine has significantly revised its stance toward Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. Belarus’s cooperation with Moscow, involvement of its army in the war against Ukraine, and logistical support, including the launch of drones from Belarusian territory, were long overlooked in Kyiv. However, Ukraine now openly acknowledges that Lukashenko has become Moscow’s proxy, and Belarus actively helps to bypass sanctions and support the war against Ukraine and Europe.
Previously, Ukraine paid little attention to the Belarusian opposition, questioning its relevance. Today, official Kyiv has started dialogue with opposition leaders, including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and is initiating joint meetings with the presidents of Poland and Lithuania to discuss cooperation and regional security.
There is also increased focus on economic issues: Ukraine refuses to assist Belarus in exporting goods, blocking routes used to evade sanctions. At the same time, Kyiv is considering placing Lukashenko on international wanted lists for his actions.
Ukrainian authorities now recognize that building relations with the Belarusian opposition is key to a future democratic Belarus and to strengthening European security. The policy shift aims to expand both military and diplomatic support for Belarusian democrats and to cooperate with Poland and Lithuania in countering Kremlin influence in the region.
These policy changes underscore the importance of uniting Central and Eastern European countries to contain Kremlin ambitions and achieve freedom for the region's peoples.