Today, few Belarusians seriously consider that their country might not just become dependent on Russia, but actually lose its sovereignty. We all tend to believe that Belarus is an independent state, with its own unique culture, history, and political system. However, if we look at current events through the lens of a quiet, unnoticed conquest, we can understand that the sovereignty of the country is under threat.
Why Don’t We See the Threat?
Many of us think that the loss of independence for Belarus is something distant and impossible. However, the gradual changes occurring in the economy, politics, and social spheres are already leading to Belarus losing control over the most important areas of its life.
Conquest doesn’t always come in an overt form. More often than not, it begins with economic and political agreements that, at first glance, seem beneficial. Russia, for instance, has long used our dependence on gas and oil, essentially becoming the main force controlling the country’s economy. All of this is happening without open pressure or war. But step by step, Belarus is becoming more integrated into Russia’s economic and political structures, losing its autonomy.
Economic Dependence: Weak but Strong
Belarus is not yet a full part of the Russian Federation, but if you look at how our market is integrating with Russia’s, the picture becomes alarming. The Belarusian economy is increasingly dependent on Russian investments, which, in turn, leads to Moscow controlling key industries such as energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed Russian companies more actively pushing Belarusian businesses out of foreign markets. In the early 2000s, Belarus supported its own production and held certain positions in international markets. But as time passes, exports and production are under pressure from Russian business structures, leading to the gradual destruction of national industries.
Political Absorption: "Integration" under Moscow’s Control
Let’s not forget the political sphere. Russia’s desire to "integrate" Belarus into its structures by creating union organizations and agreements has become a reality that cannot be ignored. The programmatic documents signed between Minsk and Moscow provide for an ever-increasing political attachment of Belarus to Russia. These "integration" processes give the illusion of equal partnership, but in reality, they serve as the foundation for Belarus to gradually lose its independence.
First, it was the Customs Union agreement, and then came new and expanding joint projects. In these processes, Belarus often finds itself in the role of the junior partner. This is not a coincidence. Russia understands that by keeping Belarus in its sphere of influence, it significantly strengthens its geopolitical position, and with each passing year, our country becomes more integrated into Russian political structures.
Belarusian Identity: Disappearing Heritage
No less concerning is the cultural influence Russia exerts over Belarus. Propaganda aimed at replacing Belarusian identity with a Russian one is intensifying at all levels. Under the pressure of Russian media and educational programs, many young people are beginning to see Russian culture as dominant and Belarusian culture as marginal. Language, traditions, history—all of this is gradually being pushed into the background. If Belarusians don’t act now, tomorrow their country could simply become a province of Russia, devoid of its national characteristics, cultural and historical memory.
Belarus’s Choice: Continuation of Quiet Conquest or Resistance?
It is clear that Belarus stands at an important crossroads today. On one hand, the country continues to deepen its relationship with Russia; on the other, the number of those who realize that Belarus's independence is under threat is growing. This is not just a political warning; it is a call to action.
What could become a turning point for the country? Will Belarus continue to integrate more closely with Russia, or can we defend our independence and culture? The answer to this question depends on each of us. Time for action has not yet passed, but if we don’t take steps to protect our country and our rights, tomorrow may be too late.
Don’t wait until Belarus becomes part of Russia by default. We can and must preserve our country.