WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing:
NOT-SO-GOOD NEIGHBORS
Russian Influence in Belarus
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
10:00 a.m.
Rayburn House Office Building
Room 2200
Live Webcast: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission
As a new generation of political leaders in Belarus seeks to forge closer ties with the West, the Kremlin has stepped up influence and disinformation campaigns designed to erode Belarusian sovereignty and exploit the strong historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
Expert witnesses will examine how Russia most effectively penetrates Belarusian society, and the extent to which Russia’s disinformation and hybrid tactics are influencing the political landscape at a pivotal moment. Speakers will decode Russia’s tactics in Belarus and explore how the United States can help promote the sovereignty of Belarus.
The following witnesses are scheduled to participate:
- Sofya Orlosky, Senior Program Manager for Eurasia, Freedom House
- Franak Viačorka, Research Media Analyst (Contractor), U.S. Agency for Global Media
- Brian Whitmore, Senior Fellow and Director of the Russia Program, CEPA
- Andrei Yeliseyeu, Head of Monitoring Unit, International Strategic Action Network for Security (iSANS); Research Director, EAST Center