Address of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus to the De Facto Authorities of the Republic of Belarus regarding the Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on the helipad on Wall Street in Manhattan, heading to the courthouse. Photo: Kyle Mazza / CNP

The arrest of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, has served as a defining signal in new global politics to every authoritarian regime: neither years of governing the state apparatus, nor control over the military, nor external support from allies are guarantees for retaining power. Maduro rejected dialogue with the opposition, chose repression over legitimacy, and believed the security forces to be his impenetrable shield — and he was gravely mistaken. As a result, the fate of Venezuela will now depend significantly on external factors.

Aware of its responsibility for preserving the sovereignty of Belarus, the Cabinet reaffirms its initiative to conduct a national dialogue, as set out in the Statement of August 9, 2025. We insist that the only means of preventing a collapse of statehood is the organization of a Round Table to resolve the political crisis in Belarus.

Internal social understanding is precisely what is needed to ensure stability during our country's necessary political transformation, to achieve a civilized resolution of internal problems, to lift sanctions, to return investment, and to restore constructive international cooperation.

The lesson of Caracas shows that windows of opportunity close quickly; therefore, ignoring the Round Table initiative may lead to scenarios where civilized social dialogue is replaced by other uncontrolled procedures that may pose threats to the independence of the Republic of Belarus.

Belarusians deserve democratic governance, sustainable economic development, and the normalization of international relations. Every official must bear responsibility for choosing the optimal paths for the successful development of our country.

Long Live Belarus!

Warsaw, Vilnius, January 8, 2026

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