Lukashenka’s propagandist suggests seizing territory from Poland

A Lukashenka propagandist, Kiryl Kazakou — editor-in-chief of the Minski Kurier (Minsk Courier) newspaper — has suggested seizing Polish territory. He voiced his ideas during a program hosted by another propagandist, Ryhor Azaronak.

Kazakou remarked that the pearl of the Hrodna region is the Augustów Canal, which leads to the city of Augustów on Polish territory. “This area lies within the so-called Suwałki Corridor. I don’t understand why the jewel of our region is called the Augustów Canal, while the city of Augustów is not in friendly relations with the Hrodna region,” he complained.

The story develops: a fierce reaction in Poland to the propagandist’s remarks.

The propagandist proposed incorporating either Augustów or Białystok into Belarus — the latter being the city where, in 1939, the annexation of Western Belarus into the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR) was proclaimed. (After World War II, Białystok was transferred to Poland.)

“Białystok is a Belarusian city. There’s the wonderful town of Hajnówka, which lies within the Białowieża Forest. And overall — Biała Wieża… Biała Wieża is Belarusian territory,” Kazakou declared.

Lukashenka’s propagandists — and Lukashenka himself — often claim that Poland seeks to seize part of Belarus. But judging by everything, it seems the dreams of territorial conquest are coming from the other side of the border.