MOSCOW, December 25. /TASS/. Russia has obtained information that some groups are plotting, under the direction of Western special services, a campaign to foment protest sentiment in Belarus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"We are receiving information that Western so-called democratization foundations, which are closely linked to Western special services, are developing a kind of powerful propaganda campaign. Powerful in terms of scale because it is not about some one-off measures. For what purpose? To stimulate protest sentiment in Belarus," she said.

According to Zakharova, these organizations are also increasing support for the fugitive Belarusian opposition, which has repeatedly urged the West to act against their fellow citizens. The diplomat said in this context the US State Department's advisory for American citizens to leave Belarus is an attempt to destabilize the situation in that country.

"This also proves Washington’s long-established policy of interference in the internal affairs of Belarus and the desire to overthrow the legitimate authorities in this country. These false narratives, I think they are their tool to stimulate the relevant anti-government sentiment," she said.

According to Zakharova, Russia regards the social, political and economic situation in Belarus as stable.

"The authorities ensure a high level of security, law and order. Systematic explanatory work with the population and an inventory of the political system as part of the constitutional reform has helped reduce the protest potential in society significantly and find mutual understanding between the government and constructive social and political forces," she said.

Belarus is set to hold a presidential election on January 26, 2025.