Avoidance of Answers: The Case of Viktor Babariko
Former Belarusian political prisoner Viktor Babariko was unable to provide a clear answer to questions about the participants in the Russo-Ukrainian war and the status of Crimea. In his interview with Volodymyr Zolkin, he evaded a direct response to these complex issues.
“Who attacked whom, what to consider as a fact of aggression... We learned that there is a special military operation. We hear that it started with actions from Ukraine, meaning Ukraine was doing something, and we had to react to it... What Belarusian television says about this, I do not know,” Babariko explained.
The question about Crimea also left Viktor Babariko perplexed. In response, he expressed the complexity of the situation and answered using legal and historical arguments. It should be noted that previously Babariko criticized Lukashenka and led 'Belgazprombank', for which he was imprisoned for 14 years.
Viktor Babariko plans to go to Germany after his release from prison. His son, Eduard Babariko, remained behind bars. Prior to his release, agreements were made with the American side to facilitate the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash.
Return of Citizens from Belarus
Recently, the Coordination Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War organized the return of 31 citizens from Belarus to Ukraine. They could either remain in Ukraine or be transported to European countries. This process took place within the framework of an agreement on the release of political prisoners in Belarus and their subsequent relocation to other countries.
The evasion of the former political prisoner and the return of citizens from Belarus reflect the complex political context and humanitarian situation in the region, where conflicts and population movements across borders continue.