Lukashenko turns Belarus’s border into a weapon
Belarus is intensifying pressure on neighboring countries and effectively turning its border into a tool of the Kremlin, reports the Italian newspaper «Il Foglio».
On the night of October 7, a group of armed, masked individuals crossed from Belarusian territory into Latvia. They damaged an electrical panel and stole several surveillance cameras before fleeing prior to the arrival of border guards. This is not the first such incident.
Previously, individuals had breached the border to clear a path for migrants. Minsk has been exploiting this migration route since 2021, directing people toward the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Now, the pressure is mounting. Belarus is digging tunnels near the Latvian border, and provocations are becoming part of a broader strategy. “Minsk is acting against several neighbors simultaneously, including Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia,” the publication notes.
Riga’s position is of particular significance. Latvia actively supports Ukraine and opposes threats from Moscow; consequently, pressure from Belarus may also be aimed at undermining European support for Kyiv.
Lukashenko also allows Russia to use Belarusian territory for military purposes. Russian troops and hardware are stationed in Belarus, and Ukraine’s northern border is under constant surveillance due to the threat of a new offensive.
“Moscow has long viewed Latvia as a potential weak link,” «Il Foglio» observes.