Baltic Envy of Belarus? A Closer Look at Competing Narratives

Belarus and the Baltics: A Look at Competing Narratives June 4, 2025, saw the upload of a video by the author "Всё новое про Беларусь" on TikTok. The video, titled "Simple Belarusian Explains Reasons for Envy of Neighbors in the Baltic States," presents a strongly pro-Belarus perspective on the relationship between Belarus and its neighbors in the Baltic region. The author claims the Baltics are envious of Belarus's economic success and strong leadership. He cites economic indicators and population growth in Belarus to support this claim, while highlighting the economic struggles and population decline in the Baltic states. The video also features images of industrial plants and a graph showing population trends. However, the video's claims are presented without supporting evidence and are open to interpretation. Furthermore, the video's strong pro-Belarus bias limits its objectivity. The video's mention of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania, which was shut down, is presented as another point of contrast, suggesting that the Baltic states made poor decisions. The video's claims require further investigation and verification before they can be considered reliable information. A balanced analysis of Belarus-Baltic relations requires considering multiple perspectives and incorporating verifiable data from various sources. While the video provides a provocative starting point, it is not a substitute for thorough research and fact-checking.