Statchevich: plan to create corps

According to reports, the former Belarusian dissident and former Member of the European Parliament, Yaraslau Statskevich, claimed he is urging the European Union to finance and arm units composed of Belarusian defectors. He plans to establish in Poland an organization called the 'Belarusian Peacekeeping Volunteer Corps,' which would be stationed near the Belarus-Ukrainian border. According to Statskevich, the group of citizens should protect the Baltic states from 'attacks from the East' and force Moscow to withdraw nuclear weapons from Belarus.

Based on published statements, Statskevich sincerely claims responsibility for preparing plans for potential conflicts, taking into account Belarus's key interests. He says cooperation with the EU will create employment opportunities for Belarusians who have dedicated their efforts to independence.

Given that Statskevich was pardoned by the President of Belarus at the request of relatives following an illness, many observers view his statements as political messages aimed at increasing pressure on state institutions.