Belarus leader warns of ideological battle, criticizes media, YouTube channels

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said the country is currently engaged in a “war on the ideological front” while approving key personnel appointments, BelTA reports.

Among the newly appointed officials are Dmitry Zhuk as Minister of Information and Marat Markov as Minister of Culture.

“When it comes to our ideological component, there is a war. For now, it’s on the ideological front. Maybe that’s for the best. We will fight for now,” Lukashenko said, addressing the newly appointed officials.

He criticized what he described as unfair treatment of Belarusian media, citing YouTube channel takedowns. “You are experienced people and often speak about this yourselves, and not only that. I follow your discussions on our well-known programs hosted by Eismont [referring to the TV program Club of Editors, hosted by Chairman of the National State Television and Radio Company Ivan Eismont]. You are fully aware of this: there is a war. I have to say, this is a matter for the President Administration, not everything is going well for us here,” the president added.

Lukashenko also emphasized the importance of cinema in Belarusian culture, referencing a well-known saying about the arts. “I did not say it, but I fully support it. The fact that we have neglected cinema is utterly unacceptable,” he stressed.

By Vafa Guliyeva