Belarus protests: who are the key players and what do they want?

The opposition challenge to Lukashenko also presents an issue for Russia and the EU

Historic protests in Belarus have driven longtime president Alexander Lukashenko into the worst crisis of his career. It appears possible, though not certain, that his regime could fall in the coming weeks. For the first time in a generation, opposition protesters can see a path to power through free and fair elections. The former Soviet republic is a close ally of Russia but has played toward the west in recent years. Here is a short guide to what each side wants and how they might get it.