Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador
Every misfortune and tragedy has its roots in specific causes. The widespread destruction and infrastructure damage in Belarusian towns on July 14th, including the power outages affecting most of the southwestern Homiel region, were undoubtedly caused by the recent natural disaster.
However, the inability to quickly restore power and meet people's basic needs stems directly from Lukashenko's decision to allow Russian troops to invade Ukraine from Belarusian territory. While it might not seem immediately obvious, the connection is quite direct.
Before the invasion, the Mazyr region could receive electricity from both Belarusian and Ukrainian power lines. For instance, the power grid between Mazyr and Homiel was looped through Ukraine. After Russia launched its aggression against Ukraine from Belarus, Ukrainian authorities understandably disconnected the Homiel-Chernigov line.
This means the Homiel region currently lacks a vital backup power source, a necessity in such situations. The recent storm caused power line supports to collapse, cutting off electricity across the region. Local residents and businesses were left waiting for repairs
But power engineers cannot handle such extensive repairs alone; a specialized organization is required.
This organization was contacted immediately, but bureaucratic hurdles prevented them from getting to work for half a day. No one was willing to bypass the numerous regulations and approvals required, even to expedite repairs and address the emergency swiftly.
Day after day, Lukashenko's propaganda machine tells Belarusians that without a firm hand, without an iron fist, it's impossible to mobilize society and the government to effectively address urgent problems. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. For several days now, in the wake of the disaster that struck Belarus last Sunday, several major cities in the Homiel region have been left without electricity, water, fuel, or food.
In war-torn Ukraine, facing constant attacks from drones and missiles, power is restored within 24 hours. Yet, in peaceful Belarus, under Lukashenko's dictatorship, the 100,000 residents of Mazyr have been without electricity for more than two days. And this is despite the fact that the dictator himself supposedly took personal control of the situation. He may have taken control, but he has not provided tangible assistance. The people have been left to fend for themselves.
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