Revenge as policy The radicalisation of the Lukashenka regime

The forced landing of a passenger plane in Belarus at the end of May 2021, served the arrest of a journalist who was critical of the regime. This step was in line with the repressive measures that have been imposed by the government in Belarus for months. The apparatus of violence is disseminating fear and horror, with people being sentenced in political trials on a daily basis. Moscow holds a protective hand over the regime, which has driven Belarus to complete dependence on Russia. Western policymakers face a dilemma.