It is essential to invest significantly greater resources in countering the "Russian world" — specifically into Belarusian society

"We understand the strategy of the EU and Belarus's neighbouring countries — Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia — which are investing significant financial resources in the construction of defensive structures on the border. At the same time, they are increasing defence spending. Nevertheless, I am convinced that a two-track strategy is needed. It is essential to invest significantly greater resources in countering the 'Russian world' — specifically into Belarusian society, because only it can serve as a security guarantee for its neighbours," — stated Pavel Latushka, delegate of the Coordination Council and member of the CC delegation to PACE, during the side event "How the 'Russian World' Works: Ideology and Practice of Hybrid Aggression Against Europe" during the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The side event was organised by the CC delegation to PACE.

"The Russian Federation has set a strategic goal — to change the mentality of Belarusians so that they support the aggression against Ukraine and hold anti-Western sentiments. Hundreds of millions, if not billions, are being invested in this. Russia is doing this with the support of the Lukashenko regime.

The European Union and our partners, in turn, allocate significantly fewer resources for these purposes — insufficient to counter Russia's plans. If we do not change this strategy, we may arrive at dire consequences.

It is important to understand that Belarusians are already taxpayers in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have been forced to leave their homeland and are working and paying taxes in the EU. And this is a request from me, as a representative elected by Belarusians — a request for support for Belarusian society.

If we do not follow this path, then, regrettably, within a few years we may reach a situation where, on the border between Belarus and European Union countries, there stands a person of Belarusian origin with a Russian consciousness. Or, what is even worse, in a Russian uniform and ready to attack the territory of the European Union," — emphasised Pavel Latushka.

Pavel Latushka also presented to the side event participants three reports prepared by the People's Anti-Crisis Management, on how Russia, using the imperial ideology of the "Russian world" with the support of the Lukashenko regime, is attempting to change the mentality of Belarusians and prepare society for entering the war on the side of the Russian Federation:

• "Systematic Preparation by the Lukashenko Regime for Possible Entry into the War on Russia’s Side and Recommendations for Preventing This Scenario";

• "The Union State as a Cover Instrument for Russia's Imperial Policy";

• "The Battle for Belarus: The Lukashenko Regime’s Systemic Policy of Destroying Belarusian Identity and Promoting the 'Russian World'".

In addition, participants were presented with a report prepared jointly by NAM and BELPOL: "Children without a future: the militarization of childhood in Belarus".

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