DISINFO: There was a Western plot to kill Belarusian President Lukashenka
SUMMARY
There was a plot by the West to kill Belarusian President Lukashenka.
RESPONSE
A recurrent pro-Kremlin narrative about Western aggression against Russia and its allies, similar to many cases in the EUvsDisinfo database.
News of the “coup plot” came as Lukashenka was preparing to visit Moscow for talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin on 22 April 2021. On the eve of Lukashenka’s visit, Putin raised the alleged plot in his state-of-the-nation speech on 21 April, claiming that what he called “unjust sanctions” against Belarus are escalating into “something more dangerous: a coup attempt in Belarus.”
Previously on 17 April 2021, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed he and his sons were the target of a US-backed assassination plot but did not provide any evidence.
No substantial evidence is presented to support the accusations. The individuals accused of the plot and detained are known members of dissident groups in Belarus. For more info read the analysis of the Atlantic Council.
See similar cases claiming that conspirators were arrested after scheming an attempt to assassinate Lukashenka and that Czech allegations against Russia aim to overshadow failed attempt on Lukashenka’s life.