Experts warn of Russification threats to Belarusian identity under Lukashenko's rule
July 08, 2025 | Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission): House Commission, Commissions and Caucuses - House and Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. Helsinki Commission meeting on July 8, 2025, featured a significant discussion led by Hanna Liubakova regarding the ongoing erasure of Belarusian identity under the regimes of Alexander Lukashenka and Vladimir Putin. Liubakova highlighted the troubling trend of Russification in Belarus, which she attributed primarily to Lukashenka's policies rather than direct Russian territorial ambitions.
Liubakova pointed out that the narrative promoted by Russia, which frames Belarusians as "brothers," reflects a broader strategy to undermine Belarusian nationhood. She referenced a 2021 essay by Putin that emphasized this perspective, noting that while he has no immediate territorial claims on Belarus, the situation could evolve. Lukashenka's strong alignment with Russia has made Belarus increasingly vulnerable to cultural assimilation.
The speaker provided alarming statistics on the decline of the Belarusian language, revealing that the percentage of people identifying Belarusian as their native language has dropped from nearly 90% in 1994 to below 60% today. This decline is mirrored in the education system, where very few children are taught in Belarusian.
Despite these challenges, Liubakova observed a growing interest among the Belarusian populace in learning their native language, particularly in underground classes since 2020. This trend signifies a form of resistance and a desire among citizens to reconnect with their national identity.
The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting Belarusian culture and identity in the face of external pressures, highlighting the resilience of the Belarusian people in their quest for self-determination.
Liubakova pointed out that the narrative promoted by Russia, which frames Belarusians as "brothers," reflects a broader strategy to undermine Belarusian nationhood. She referenced a 2021 essay by Putin that emphasized this perspective, noting that while he has no immediate territorial claims on Belarus, the situation could evolve. Lukashenka's strong alignment with Russia has made Belarus increasingly vulnerable to cultural assimilation.
The speaker provided alarming statistics on the decline of the Belarusian language, revealing that the percentage of people identifying Belarusian as their native language has dropped from nearly 90% in 1994 to below 60% today. This decline is mirrored in the education system, where very few children are taught in Belarusian.
Despite these challenges, Liubakova observed a growing interest among the Belarusian populace in learning their native language, particularly in underground classes since 2020. This trend signifies a form of resistance and a desire among citizens to reconnect with their national identity.
The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting Belarusian culture and identity in the face of external pressures, highlighting the resilience of the Belarusian people in their quest for self-determination.
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