Helsinki Commission Hearing to Examine Russian Influence in Belarus

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