Pavel Latushka: Belarusians Will Always Be Able to Agree with Belarusians. Because We Have One Belarus. And Because We Are One People
- Pavel Latushka
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
"New Belarus is not a geography. It is what happened to all of us, to the entire country, in 2020," said Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Head of the NAM, Pavel Latushka, in his opening remarks on the second day of the "New Belarus" Conference.
"Six years ago, all of us — without exception — made a discovery and opened our eyes: we are a people, we are a nation, we have agency.
The regime has committed a horrific crime — it unleashed a war against Belarusians and wants to divide us. There will inevitably be accountability for this crime."
In his remarks, Pavel Latushka also addressed European partners:
"Support the investigation into the 'Belarusian situation' at the International Criminal Court, related to the deportation and forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians, which constitutes a crime against humanity.
Not a single sanction has been imposed against the regime for human rights violations since March 2025. We have sent corresponding requests to the European Commission for the introduction of new sanctions, because repression in Belarus is not stopping."
Pavel Latushka outlined what needs to be done in the near term to achieve our shared goal:
Strengthening democratic institutions.
Protecting the rights and interests of Belarusians abroad. It is important to meet the serious challenge posed by changes to migration policy in EU member states. Support for former political prisoners must continue, and very important work in this area is being carried out by human rights organizations and initiatives.
Supporting national revival, culture and education. A nation lives for as long as its culture and language live.
Countering the erosion of sovereignty and pro-Russian propaganda. "Sanctions must be introduced against the structures of the so-called 'Union State,' which Russia uses to dismantle our independence."
It is important that EU-allocated resources be increased to effectively counter the powerful pro-Russian propaganda machine.
Threats of Belarus being dragged into the hot phase of the war are growing today. That is precisely why the United Transitional Cabinet has decided to establish a Situational Headquarters.
Continued support for Ukraine and our volunteers.
Continued work on accountability for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people, for the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children at the International Criminal Court, and for the crime of aggression within the framework of the Special Tribunal being established for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
"We understand each other well. We understand how hard this is for us. How, over these years, exhaustion, pain, a sense of uncertainty and sometimes burnout have built up. Do we have another option? The other option is to give up.
That option does not exist for us. We simply have no right to stop. It's hard for us, but we must keep going. Because no one but us will do this.
Windows of opportunity for the start of negotiations on transit can open suddenly. One of them could be the start of peace talks following the end of Russia's war against Ukraine. We must also be ready for this and clearly convey our position:
First: the situation in Belarus and its transformation must be a mandatory subject of these negotiations. The agency and interests of Belarusian society must be taken into account in them.
Second: the start of an internal dialogue in the format of a Round Table between the current authorities and the democratic forces must be a condition for Belarus's participation in the peace negotiations as one of the parties.
We have gone through colossal trials. But we have preserved the main thing — an awareness of ourselves and of our own agency. We will reclaim our home, return to our loved ones and relatives, and restore justice. Because Belarusians will always be able to agree with Belarusians.
We must remember. We have one home. Our fate is shared. Let's not forget that.
Because we have one Belarus. And because we are one people!"
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