US Ambassador to Belarus Julie Fisher: Lukashenka has become too expensive a project for Russia

The diplomat spoke about the fate of the illegitimate regime.

Dozhd journalists spoke with Julie Fisher, the US Ambassador to Belarus.

- One of the Minsk officials said (and Lukashenka also mentioned this) that the United States is a force that is trying to change the constitutional system in Belarus... What would you answer to these statements? Because I understand that they are ridiculous, but, nevertheless…

- Let me start with the following. In my opinion, it is much easier for a dictator, a person who does not want at least some elements of his rule to be called into question, it is much easier to look abroad and look for conspiracies and behind-the-scenes intrigues in capitals outside Europe. It is easier to point in this direction than to honestly assess what does not work in your own country. And I also think that this reflects a fundamental disconnect between this dictator and his people. It reflects what he refuses to admit: in the sense that his stay in power, his regime, his decades at the head of Belarus could not give the people of this country. Also, in my opinion, the underestimation of the people of Belarus in what they want, what they hope for in the future is fundamental. What they hope for in the future is just stability. What they hope for from the point of view of the economic prospects, from the point of view of the response of their government.

So, in a way, it's not surprising; it's a familiar tactic we've seen in the past. You said it was ridiculous - I agree with you. Honestly, if it weren't so tragic, it would be just funny, as it seems to me. But this failure of the Lukashenka regime has a real impact on the people of Belarus every day. So it’s not funny; in fact, it’s tragic.

- Lukashenka has already crossed all possible red lines, and the point of no return for him has already been passed. And he himself understands that nothing can be done to restore relations with the Western world. It will only get worse and worse and worse. Do you think there is something else you can do to put pressure on him?

- I think there is an opportunity - an opportunity for Russia to play a constructive role. It can make choices and play a constructive role. I think Belarus has become too expensive a project for Russia. It seems to me that, at some point, they will ask themselves whether this project is in Russia's interests or not. And, of course, this is not a question for them from us, but it is a question for leaders and decision-makers in Moscow. And fundamentally, I really believe that the voice of the people of Belarus... It is simply impossible, it is not viable for a leader, for the regime to work contrary to the goals of the people for a long time. I believe that liberation will simply have to come, progress will have to come. And, from our side in the West, we will work to support these aspirations.