A somewhat interesting development regarding Belarus:

More criticism of Lukashenko in the Russian press. One paper today: “The workers of Belarus delivered the final sentence: the revolt of the proletariat means the end of his power.” Another says L’ko “…wants to drag Russia into this. Do we need that?” #ReadingRussia @BBCWorld pic.twitter.com/q6ZAJPMxdz

— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) August 18, 2020

Perhaps floating some trial balloons to see how people react.