Dialogue with Łukašenka on political prisoners unlikely as Ukraine war goes on – analyst

December 27, BPN. In spite of numerous discussions about a dialogue with Alaksandr Łukašenka aimed at freeing political prisoners, this dialogue is unlikely to open now, director of the Political Sphere think tank Andrej Kazakievič has told an online event.

Kazakievič said that “until the war [in Ukraine] or at least its active phase is over,” it will be extremely difficult to make any progress on this issue because Moscow doesn’t need it. “The Kremlin has enough resources to prevent or minimize these actions,” the analyst said.

This month, the Belarusian independent media reported that a debate about the future of political prisoners flared up among the regime opponents. Some suggested easing sanctions on the regime, while others opposed what they viewed as trade in hostages.