This is a whole different category and that's why the whataboutism isn't working this time and the standard "losing moral authority" talking points sound particularly shallow and unconvicing.
No amount of propaganda can mask how shitty the life is. There's no reason whatsoever why Belarus couldn't be enjoying the same quality of life as their direct neighbours in the west, they were at the same starting point in 1991 after all. Limited travel is still possible and people know very well what life is like just across the border. Do the same job, get paid several times as much, and without getting molested by government thugs.
https://www.rt.com/usa/524710-psaki-belarus-bolivia-plane/
RT is already mocking the very same press secretary who justified doing this to get Snowden in 2013 for getting outraged now as she unconvincing deflects a question about it.
CNN won't show that on your TV but I'll bet Belarussians will get to see it.
This is not going to play out unfavorably for Lukashenko, especially if the US/Europe hits them with sanctions that bite.
>There's no reason whatsoever why Belarus couldn't be enjoying the same quality of life as their direct neighbours in the west
Realistically Ukraine is a closer model for how they'd end up if they rejected Russia and aligned more closely with the West. They are under no illusions that a quick change of allegiance will turn them into Luxembourg.
In both cases the pilot was lied to to capture a dissident and in neither case were the passengers in danger.
Lukashenko's propaganda will get a boost from this. Indeed, it's possibly what emboldened him to try it, safe in the knowledge that Europe and the US could only condemn it hypocritically.
The West loses moral authority when it pulls this shit - not only in their own countries but in dictatorships rhey are trying to sway.