Belarus is accusing Western countries of meddling in its internal affairs ahead of the 2025 presidential election. The country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxim Ryzhenkov, has openly stated that Western interference is not just a rumor—it’s happening right now. He pointed out that this kind of meddling is against the rules set by the United Nations, which clearly say that no country should interfere in the internal matters of another.
The situation in Belarus is becoming more tense as the 2025 election approaches. According to Ryzhenkov, the West is trying to influence the outcome of the election by backing certain individuals who they have trained and supported over the years. The goal? To bring these Western-backed figures into power in Belarus, just like what has happened in other post-Soviet countries. This, he says, is part of a larger plan to create a “cordon sanitaire”—a buffer zone—between Russia and the West. In other words, Belarus believes the West wants to use its influence in the country to further isolate Russia politically and economically.
Ryzhenkov’s accusations go beyond just political interference. He claims that since 2020, the West has significantly increased its military presence along the borders of Belarus and Russia, creating a sense of growing pressure in the region. The timing of this buildup raises questions about the West’s true intentions, especially with Belarus gearing up for such a critical election.
Ryzhenkov also dismissed claims from some Western politicians and analysts who say Belarus’ elections will be unfair. He argued that Belarusian citizens do have access to media and are able to express their views, countering accusations that the country suppresses free speech. According to him, these claims are just part of a narrative pushed by the West to paint Belarus in a bad light.
To ensure the election process is transparent, Belarus plans to invite international observers, but only those who are neutral and objective. Ryzhenkov mentioned that election observers from organizations like the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will be welcomed to monitor the elections. However, Belarus has no interest in Western observers who, according to Ryzhenkov, are already biased and have been “trained” to find faults in the election process.
The stakes are high as Belarus gears up for its presidential election, which must take place no later than July 20, 2025. The government seems determined to resist what it sees as foreign attempts to manipulate the outcome and is preparing for a tense political showdown, both inside the country and on the international stage. With Western and Russian interests colliding, the election could have far-reaching consequences not just for Belarus, but for the entire region.
