'There Is Great Demand For This Scenario'
- 9.10.2024, 12:23
Will the Armed Forces of Ukraine enter Belarus?
During one of the Forum meetings, the member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, co-head of the inter-factional deputy association "For the decolonization of Russia" Oleh Dunda, expressed an opinion that the war with Russia cannot be won only on the territory of Ukraine. The Ukrainian deputy also stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine should enter the territory of Belarus.
What is behind this statement? The Charter97.org website talked about this with the candidate of philosophical sciences, the head of the Ukrainian Center for Belarusian Communications Maksim Pleshko:
— Oleh Dunda's statement is a real "atomic bomb" in the Russian and Belarusian media. Everything is clear with the Russian one - they do not want to lose their colony under hybrid occupation through Lukashenka. And why was there such an effect in the Belarusian information field? Because there is a demand for this idea. Oleh Dunda said what hundreds of thousands of Belarusians are talking about. He said what Belarusian volunteers dream of.
They waited two and a half years for this statement. That is why there was such a strong reaction.
Let's summarize. First, we cannot say that this is a statement by an authorized Ukrainian official. Oleh Dunda is a member, a politician, he can afford some freethinking. However, he is a deputy of the ruling party "Servant of the People".
Therefore, the first conclusion is that there is a demand for this idea. It lives in the minds of thousands of people, it is discussed in kitchens.
He also says that Ukraine does not need an "occupation operation". Belarusian volunteers and the opposition should take part in it. This is absolutely part of the Ukrainian strategy and vision of the situation in Belarus. I constantly say that Ukraine's strategic interest is a free Belarusian nation in allied relations with the Ukrainians.
The second conclusion is that this will help the Belarusian people in liberating the country. Let me emphasize that we are talking about theoretical scenarios. Is it possible today? Unlikely. With the right strategic preparation, it is quite possible. If we talk about the Ukrainian expert community, then this is one of the scenarios that is being discussed. There is an option that Lukashenka will somehow voluntarily make concessions, the second option is force. These models are being discussed.
Will Putin protect Lukashenka in this situation? Putin cannot protect himself, the operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region shows this. Lukashenka understands this and he is nervous.
As for Ukraine, it is interested in stability on the northern border. However, there are forces and means to respond to certain challenges and provocations.