Lukashenko is dragging Belarus closer to a war that most of its citizens don’t want | Ryhor Astapenia

The dictator's first loyalty is to Putin, despite biting sanctions and growing opposition to the invasion at home

The Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, has played a key role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He has allowed Russian convoys and troops to close in on Kyiv from Belarusian territory and provided military infrastructure, notably airbases that Russian warplanes are using to attack Ukraine. The country is being bombarded by rockets arriving from Belarusian territory.

Belarus's dictator also provides political support for Russian aggression: Belarus voted against the resolution of the UN general assembly condemning the Russian invasion (alongside Russia, Syria, North Korea and Eritrea), and its state propaganda machine mirrors Russia's in its justifications. Like its eastern neighbour, the Lukashenko regime is arresting and repressing those who dare protest against war.

Ryhor Astapenia is director of the Belarus Initiative at Chatham House, and research director at the Centre for New Ideas