MINSK: FIFA and UEFA have issued a joint statement that banned Russia and Belarus from playing football in the wake of the Ukraine war. Belarus role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine came out when they issued statement. It is well known that Belarus paved the way for Russian troops to enter Ukraine. More than that, President Alexander Lukashenko's statement that he would use his troops in the war if necessary is a testament to Belarus' role in the Ukraine war.

Although most of the nations that support Russia does not publicly show their support, Belarus support Russia despite opposition from own country. The day before yesterday, a large rally was held in support of Ukraine in Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

The reason for Belarus supporting Russia is their President. Lukashenko has been President of Belarus since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. He is known as the only remaining dictator in Europe. Under Lukashenko's rule, which followed many of the policies of the former Soviet Union, much of the country's land is still under government control. Belarus, meanwhile, has one of the lowest poverty rates in Europe and the narrowest gap between rich and poor.

Despite this, opposition against Lukashenko is strengthening in Belarus. When he was re-elected in 2020, the security forces had a hard time curbing the protests. Also, there has been an increase in complaints of human rights violations. In last year during December, a journalist who constantly reported against the government was forcibly landed at a Belarusian airport and later arrested. Following this, several world nations, including the European Union, imposed sanctions on Belarus.

Lukashenko needs the help of Russia and Putin to counter the growing insurgency within the country and the sanctions imposed by the European Union. This is the main reason why Belarus is taking a pro-Russian stance. In addition, according to the recent constitutional amendment introduced in Belarus, Lukashenko can remain in power until 2035. The amendment would change Belarus' previous position that it would not use nuclear weapons. If Belarus decides to build such a nuclear weapon, only Russia will be able to provide necessary assistance.

Russia does not really need Belarus' help to subdue Ukraine. But Lukashenko needs Russia's help to retain power. Lukashenko will do anything for it. Lukashenko reckons that the sanctions and restrictions currently imposed on them for helping Russia were small compared to their future benefits.