Dorcha Lee: Could Belarus be drawn into the Russo-Ukrainian conflict?

There are clear signs that Russia will extend its influence over Belarus to keep NATO at arms length

Taoiseach Michael Martin meeting with Belarusian democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at Government Buildings in Dublin last month. Photo: Julien Behal Photography/PA Wire

As the Belarus Opposition Leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, did the rounds recently of capitals seeking support for free and fair elections in her country, Ireland was always high on her list. 

As a ‘Chernobyl kid’ she had come to Ireland sponsored by Adi Roche’s charity organisation and stayed with an Irish host family in Roscrea, Co Tipperary. She returned again several times. This time the ‘homecoming’ was serious. She was looking for support, essentially for the EU to increase sanctions on President Lukashenko’s regime, and modest practical help for the Opposition itself.