what's happening in belarus doesn't appear to be that different than what's happening in portland, so some perspective is required, and i would consider sanctions to be largely counter-productive.

the russians are trying to get him to push through some constitutional reform packages, which is a far more productive approach to the situation.

i'm not a fan of lukashenko, and i would like to see him resign, but the likelihood that what's happening in belarus is going to lead to a change in government is about on the same order that trump is going to resign over racism protesters - it's a strange narrative picked up by western propaganda outlets, usually largely as a distraction tactic, but it's not remotely reflective of reality.

the fact that they are, in fact, mostly allowed to protest (something that would not be true in most of the middle east) really speaks for itself.

belarus is in the russian sphere, and the russians need to deal with it, which means bringing in some kind of constitutional system that allows for democracy and a long overdue change of government - or submitting to an eventual violent overthrow, some day in the distant future, if they refuse to adjust to what people actually want.

i would advocate statements of solidarity with democracy and non-interference, at this time.