03 January 2026, 17:18

Expert: Europe underestimated Lukashenko and now respects Belarus much more

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MINSK, 3 January (BelTA) – Europe underestimated Aleksandr Lukashenko and now respects Belarus much more, Editor-in-Chief of the Words and Meanings almanac Elena Kondratieva-Salguero (France) said in a recent episode of BelTA’s YouTube project “V teme” [On Point].

The analyst noted that in Europe, particularly in France, the interest in developments in Belarus has diminished.

“They are interested in Belarus solely as a springboard. Just like Moldova. A springboard towards Russia. They failed to destabilize Belarus and underestimated the Belarusian leader (after all, he was facing exactly the same fate as Yanukovich), and this made them respect this country far more than they ever intended,” stated Elena Kondratieva-Salguero.

She suggests that Europe still hopes to win Belarus over, and such attempts will continue. The expert believes the United States has a similar goal.

The West will pursue a similar policy toward other countries located east of Europe, Elena Kondratieva-Salguero is convinced. “Attempts to destabilize the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Belarus, and Moldova from within will continue. This is a common tactic, and it is always been this way: they try something and if it doesn’t work, they retreat and make another try from a different flank. That’s why the true lesson is never to rest on your laurels, to constantly remain in a state of combat readiness. Combat readiness not in a military sense, but in a personal sense,” the expert emphasized.