Tsikhanouskaya Says Lukashenko Fears Sending Belarusian Troops to Fight in Ukraine

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she believes Belarusian troops cannot be involved in military operations against Ukraine because Alexander Lukashenko, whom she referred to as the self-proclaimed president, is aware of how the public would react, according to Ukrinform.

Tsikhanouskaya's comments point to domestic political considerations as a restraining factor on Lukashenko's approach to the war, even as Belarus has served as a staging ground and logistical partner for Russian forces since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The report did not detail specific polling or evidence cited by Tsikhanouskaya to support her assessment of public sentiment inside Belarus.

Lukashenko has permitted Russian troops to use Belarusian territory for operations against Ukraine and has deepened military cooperation with Moscow, but has so far stopped short of formally deploying Belarusian soldiers into direct combat roles inside Ukraine.

Tsikhanouskaya, who has led the Belarusian democratic opposition in exile since disputed elections in 2020, has consistently called for continued international support for Ukraine and pressure on the Lukashenko government.

No further details on potential shifts in Belarus's role in the conflict were included in the available report.