While writing about Pilsudski...

I found an interview of Milinkevich in which he gives answers to questions of a Polish newspaper [in August 2006]. Here is one very important comment, which a bit explains why Belarusians are so much afraid of wars.
"Question: Belarusians are considered to be quite people, which don't like to protest and demonstrate, they repeat "just not to have a war". Where does this idea come from? Is it a fear?

- Not many nations in Europe have experienced the same losses in the wars as us. Polish-Russian war of the 16th century - the Grand Duchy of Lithuania lost more than half of its population. In the times of Napoleon - one quater was lost; during WWI - one quater again; after WWII - one third. Plus add Stalin's repressions. That's why one should not be surprised that people in Belarus want not to have a war and dream to survive."