Russian Foreign Intelligence Service: "The US Provides $20 Million to Belarus Protesters"

"Financial Support to Protesters Through NGOs and Civil Organizations"
"American Instructor Educates Protesters in Countries Surrounding Belarus"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed that the U.S. government has provided over $20 million (approximately 23.5 billion KRW) in funding to Belarusian anti-government protesters through various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private groups, and has dispatched professional instructors to neighboring countries to train the protesters. This is interpreted as an attempt to shift the responsibility for Belarus's political instability onto the U.S., amid growing controversy as the Russian government recently hinted at military intervention in the Belarus situation.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 16th (local time), Sergey Naryshkin, head of the SVR, stated at a press conference that "From last year until early this year, before the outbreak of large-scale anti-government protests in Belarus, the U.S. transferred more than $20 million to anti-government forces through various NGOs and private organizations, directly assisting the organization of the protests." He also claimed, "Some of the protesters received guidance on non-violent demonstrations from experienced American instructors in neighboring countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine."

Naryshkin criticized, "The U.S. is increasing pressure on Belarus's legitimate government to force a transfer of power to the anti-government forces," adding, "This is a coup unrelated to Belarus's national interests." He emphasized, "The U.S. plays a central role in the Belarus situation and is trying to portray Belarusian opposition activists as popular leaders."

This is interpreted as a move conscious of Western countries' criticism of Russia, which has consistently supported Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and hinted at military intervention in Belarus. Earlier, on the 14th, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Lukashenko in Sochi, Russia, and announced support of $1.5 billion in loans to Belarus, as well as plans to conduct joint military exercises between Belarus and Russia over the next year.

The European Union (EU) has raised its level of criticism, refusing to recognize the Lukashenko regime. On the 15th, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, criticized in a speech at the European Parliament held in Brussels, Belgium, stating, "Considering the Belarus presidential election on the 9th of last month as fraudulent, we cannot recognize President Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus."

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