DISINFO: Pro-Western development would mean the end of Belarus
SUMMARY
Currently, the pro-Western vector of development seems to prevail in Belarus. However, it does not have a future either for the Belarusian people, the Belarusian state, or its ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka. In contrast, a pro-Russian vector for Belarus would secure the continued existence of the Belarusian people and modernisation of the Belarusian economy.
RESPONSE
This is a classic example of a false dilemma used in pro-Kremlin disinformation, specifically to undermine the prospects of Western orientation in Belarus' political development. The narrative presents Belarus' choice in zero-sum, black-and-white terms: either economic modernisation and prosperity in a union with Russia vs. loss of sovereignty with a pro-EU course.
See earlier disinformation cases positing similar false dilemmas, like that Ukraine and Belarus face an unavoidable loss of sovereignty without remaining an integral part of Russia, that a Union State of Belarus and Russia is necessary to prevent Belarus' impoverishment and degradation, and that becoming Russia's protectorate would save Belarus from forced Polonisation and economic devastation.