The Belarusians fighting on both sides of the Ukraine conflict

For years, Belarusians have been divided over whether the future of their country should involve closer relations with Russia or the European Union.

Belarus is tied to Russia politically, economically and even linguistically. Under Moscow's sphere of influence, maintaining the country's independence has involved a careful balancing act for President Alexander Lukashenko since he came to power 20 years ago.

But in a poll published by the Institute for Independent Social and Economic Political Research (IISEPS) in December 2013, 36.4% of Belarusians were in favour of closer ties with Russia, against 44.6% in favour of the EU. In March, as the crisis in Ukraine escalated, that figure changed to 51.5% in favour of further integration with Russia, over 32.9% choosing integration with the EU.

With opinion divided in the way, it is perhaps unsurprising that Belarusian nationals have reportedly been appearing as volunteers on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine.