Lebedev: Belarus, Russia under coordinated attack from abroad

Sergei Lebedev noted that this year will be tough for the presidency of Belarus in the CIS not only in terms of the epidemiological situation and the ongoing pandemic in the world but also because of the continuing pressure on the CIS countries.

“Belarus is facing a special challenge namely the pressure against the country itself and now, as we see, against Russia. Recent events in the Russian Federation indicate a planned, coordinated campaign against our countries in order to destabilize them. To inflict not only economic damage, which sanctions are aimed at, but also, let's say, destabilize the situation politically,” Sergei Lebedev noted.

He stressed that the CIS countries should not allow this to happen in any way. "The current CIS presidency, the Republic of Belarus, has a special responsibility to rally forces in confronting the unprecedented pressure from outside," he added.

The diplomat said that he has been engaged in international relations for more than 40 years, worked both in Europe and the United States, but he has not seen such duplicity and hypocrisy on the part of Western partners. "They constantly throw in fake news, apply double standards," Sergei Lebedev noted. "This can cause nothing but bewilderment and indignation.”

The focus of Belarus' presidency on strengthening economic cooperation is important, he said. “This is especially true this year, given the sanctions policy against Belarus, Russia and other CIS countries. One careless word in the opinion of our foreign partners and they immediately launch an outcry campaign, pressure on our countries. These sanctions alone force us to rally forces, to stand together against this unprecedented pressure unleashed against our nations,” he added.