Belarus turned into "Russian military outpost," witnesses say; call for troop withdrawal and support for democratic forces

Hannah Ljubakova, a Belarusian journalist in exile and non‑resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe that "Belarus has been transformed into a Russian military outpost" and urged steps to roll back that transformation.

Ljubakova said 14 political prisoners were recently released and described the gesture as "a rare moment of hope," but she reported "nearly 1,200 political prisoners are currently behind bars in Belarus." She said Moscow and Minsk have deepened military cooperation, citing upgrades visible in satellite imagery and an agreement to host broad drills: "This September, 13,000 Russian troops will be in Belarus for Zapad 2025 military drills, the biggest since the start of the invasion." She also told the commission independent surveys show most Belarusians want independence and oppose the deployment of nuclear weapons.

Ljubakova and other witnesses urged U.S. policy tools to push for a permanent Russian troop withdrawal from Belarus and for the return of sovereignty to Belarusian institutions. "There can be no lasting peace while Russian troops and nuclear weapons remain in Belarus," Ljubakova said, adding that democratic Belarusian voices should be included in any negotiations: "Nothing about Belarus without Belarusians."

Witness testimony detailed economic links that sustain Russia’s war effort: Ljubakova said hundreds of Belarusian enterprises supply goods such as microchips and uniforms and that Belarusian trade and banking ties with Russia and third countries have helped Moscow avoid some sanctions effects. She recommended targeted sanctions on military‑industrial enterprises and banking channels that facilitate circumvention of sanctions.

Members of Congress and witnesses also discussed practical steps to bolster Belarusian civil society, including renewed support for independent media, sanctions focused on the militarized economy, and consideration of a U.S. special envoy for Belarus to coordinate policy and pressure. The hearing included calls for continued bipartisan congressional engagement and for coordinated action with European allies.