Statue "Human Rights" in front of the Council of Europe building. Pierre-Olivier / Shutterstock Today, at a session of PACE's Legal Committee, the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, member of the Belarusian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka, initiated the introduction of an amendment to the PACE resolution "Combating Transnational Repression." The PACE resolution contains a provision stating that "the Assembly calls on all member states and observer states, as well as states whose parliaments hold observer or partner-for-democracy status with the Assembly, to hold those responsible for transnational repression accountable to the fullest extent of the law. An amendment was added to this provision stating that prosecution must also be carried out through the relevant international mechanisms of criminal justice. Commenting on the adoption of this amendment, Pavel Latushka noted: "The transnational repression of Lukashenko's regime is being carried out on a scale and with the use of such practices that correspond to the concept of "crime against humanity" and are of an unprecedented character for Europe. Confirmation of this is the fact that on March 12, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced the opening of an investigation into the "Belarusian situation," which concerns deportation and persecution through deportation, certain acts of which constitute transnational repression. These actions consist of halting the issuance of passports abroad, direct threats to the life and health of those persecuted, threats against their close relatives, arrest, and confiscation of property. The use of "judicial harassment" [judicial harassment] through mass, politically motivated criminal cases for the exercise of political will outside Belarus, in-absentia trials, and denial of the right to an effective defense during such proceedings — this is also an element of transnational repression," — emphasized Pavel Latushka. All of this constitutes acts of crimes against humanity as the crime of persecution through deportation, which make it impossible for tens of thousands of Belarusians to return to Belarus. As the representative of the United Transitional Cabinet, delegate of the Coordination Council, noted, it seems appropriate to emphasize the potential of international criminal justice mechanisms in countering transnational repression. Earlier, during PACE's winter session, Pavel Latushka spoke at a special event at PACE with information about the scale of transnational crimes being carried out by Lukashenko's regime against Belarusians. The materials submitted to the rapporteur were taken into account during the preparation of the resolution.

Photo: Free Belarus Museum Media On July 17, 2022, the Museum of Free Belarus, a project of the National Anti-Crisis Management, opened its doors in Warsaw. During this time, the Museum, together with its partners, has carried out dozens of exhibition projects, concerts, theatrical events, children's programs, educational meetings, discussions, and round tables. Our museum collection has grown to nearly 700 artifacts, and the archive now holds thousands of digital testimonies preserving the memory of the events of contemporary Belarusian history. As it approaches its 4th anniversary, the Museum of Free Belarus is a nominee for a prestigious European museum award. We have been included in the long list for the European Museum of the Year Award and the Council of Europe Museum Prize (EMYA-2027), and we are awaiting further results. And that's not all the good news! At the Museum's request, Poczta Polska has issued collectible postage stamps featuring images of iconic items from our collection. The stamps were printed in a very limited edition, with only a few copies of each in existence. On its birthday, the Museum of Free Belarus is launching a charity auction. For the Museum's friends and supporters, we are offering a lot of three sets of museum stamps personally signed by Nobel Prize laureates Ales Bialiatski and Sviatlana Alexievich, as well as by the well-known philanthropist and descendant of the famous princely Radziwiłł family, Maciej Radziwiłł. You can take part in the auction until July 30. All funds raised during the auction will go toward the Museum's continued work — acquiring new artifacts and creating new exhibitions. Auction link: https://www.ebay.pl/itm/358802729073 If you would like to congratulate the Museum on its fourth anniversary and support our work, please make a donation via this link: https://freebelarus.museum/donations. And there's another wonderful gift you can give the Museum: an artifact from your own personal story! If you have something that can tell the story of your involvement in important social and political events for the country — bring it, pass it on, tell us about it! We are still not home. But together we continue to preserve what must not disappear. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports the Museum of Free Belarus! And on its birthday, your attention means even more to us!

Presidential Palace. Warsaw, Poland. Source: wikipedia.org Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, head of the NAM Pavel Latushka, and director of the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Vilnius Dzianis Kuchynski held a meeting with the Secretary of State, head of the Bureau of International Policy at the Chancellery of the President of Poland Marcin Przydacz. During the meeting, representatives of the Chancellery of the President were presented with information about the repressions continuing in Belarus, based on data from human rights organizations, as well as about the transnational crimes committed by the Lukashenko regime against Belarusians living in Poland. Separately, the parties discussed the results of the elections to the Coordination Council of Belarus. Pavel Latushka and Dzianis Kuchynski emphasized the importance of continuing the policy of pressure on the Lukashenko regime, since it is not changing its internal repressive policy and continues to support aggression against Ukraine. Pavel Latushka conveyed information to the Polish side about the regime's actions related to preparations for participation in the hot phase of aggression against Ukraine. The information was presented on the basis of a report prepared by the NAM. Representatives of the Chancellery of the President of Poland were also informed about the joint security meeting in connection with a possible escalation around Belarus, which took place on 10 July 2026 at the United Transitional Cabinet. The Polish side was presented with a vision for conducting a national dialogue in Belarus using the round-table instrument. It was noted, using the historical events of 1989 in Poland as an example, that this instrument helped the Polish people move from dictatorship to modern European democracy. Pavel Latushka and Dzianis Kuchynski thanked Secretary of State Marcin Przydacz for his support and noted the importance of the fact that in Poland a common approach is maintained by both the President of the country and the Government regarding support for democratic forces and future democratic change in Belarus. Gratitude was also expressed on behalf of the United Transitional Cabinet and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki for continuing the tradition of a Christmas reception for representatives of the Belarusian community at the Presidential Palace, held on behalf of the President of Poland, as well as for supporting a free and democratic Belarus.

The image is for illustrative purposes The report "On the Real Scale of Political Repressions in Belarus" was prepared by BELPOL, the Representation of the United Transitional Cabinet for Social Policy, and the initiative "Volnyja", using materials from the human rights organizations "Dissidentby" and "Viasna".

Photo: NAM media During a meeting, the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, delegate of the Coordination Council, Pavel Latushka, thanked the head of Poland's Office for Foreigners, Tomasz Cytrynowicz, for the prompt handling of appeals on legalization issues for practically all former political prisoners deported in December 2025 from the territory of Belarus to Ukraine and later moved to the territory of Poland. The meeting was also attended by Coordination Council delegate Mikhail Kiryliuк and the head of the legal aid department of the Belarusian Solidarity Center, Volha Dabravolskaya. During the meeting, two cases of former political prisoners who have not yet received a legal decision were discussed. For one of them, an agreement was reached that the Dublin procedure will not be applied, and the review of the application for international protection will take place on the territory of Poland. The second case, in turn, is under appeal at the Refugee Board. Regarding this situation, Pavel Latushka will send a petition to the Board requesting that the Dublin procedure not be applied. Also, the cases of two Belarusian citizens regarding the resumption of review of their applications for international protection, which had been pending for more than a year, were resolved positively, for which Pavel Latushka expressed his gratitude to Tomasz Cytrynowicz. During the meeting, the issue of extending the validity period of the travel document issued to Belarusian citizens for one year was again discussed. The head of Poland's Office for Foreigners noted that the relevant legislative changes are needed for the practical implementation of this. Pavel Latushka noted that he will initiate a separate meeting with the leadership of Poland's Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to again discuss the possibility of amending the law on foreigners, which would allow the travel document to be issued for no less than two years. The head of the Office also drew attention to the fact that the number of decisions granting international protection has recently begun to exceed the number of applications from Belarusian citizens for this status, and that by the end of the year the situation will improve even further. Participants of the meeting drew attention to cases of denial of international protection with reference to the alleged expiration of the statute of limitations for criminal liability for participation in the 2020 protests. It was noted that this does not improve the legal situation of Belarusians, but on the contrary — worsens it. In the Belarusian situation, the expiration of the statute of limitations does not mean an abandonment of criminal prosecution, since the so-called law-enforcement bodies reclassify criminal cases under more serious articles, which provide for longer terms of imprisonment. Poland's Office for Foreigners was given the report of the human rights center "Viasna" on repression in Belarus, as well as the report "On the Real Scale of Political Repression in Belarus," prepared by BELPOL, the Cabinet's Representation for Social Policy, and the "Volnyja" initiative, using materials from the human rights organizations "Dissidentby" and "Viasna." As Pavel Latushka emphasized, the report of the UN Special Rapporteur notes that "Belarus continues to systematically and grossly violate its international human rights obligations, continuing politically motivated repression and completely suppressing freedom of expression, assembly, and association." Pavel Latushka requested that the leadership of the Office for Foreigners take into account the ongoing repression in Belarus when considering decisions on granting international protection to Belarusian citizens. Also during the meeting, materials were submitted regarding the granting of international protection to a number of former actors of the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre, who today work in the troupe "Free Kupalaǔцы" ("Free Kupala Theatre Actors"), with a request for a positive decision on these appeals.

Video: NAM media A celebration of Kupalle was held in Białowieża, gathering thousands of Belarusians living in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The event was attended by the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, delegate of the Coordination Council, Pavel Latushka. The Belarusian Kupalle in Białowieża has been held for 42 years now. The organizer of the Belarusian Kupalle is the Belarusian Social and Cultural Society in Poland. The traditions of this holiday have been preserved for centuries by the Belarusian minority living in Poland. In recent years, representatives of the Belarusian diaspora have also joined the events dedicated to this most well-known and traditional Belarusian holiday. Photo: NAM media "As Minister of Culture, ambassador, and consul of Belarus in Poland, I provided constant support to the Belarusian minority in Poland. Now, as a Belarusian politician, I consider it very important to continue this approach. It is important that the Belarusian minority and the Belarusian diaspora in Poland unite to preserve national culture, language, and traditions. We are grateful to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland, which provides financial support for holding this event." 30 Belarusian ensembles from the Białystok region performed at the event, including the group "Prymaki," in which Pavel Latushka's daughter — Yana Latushka — also sings. The event concluded with the ritual of releasing wreaths onto the water. Photo: NAM media "I thank the Belarusian minority in Poland, which preserves and cultivates folk traditions, love for the Belarusian language, Belarusian song, and Belarusian culture," — noted Pavel Latushka. Yana Latushka took part in the celebration of the Belarusian Kupalle in Poland Photo: NAM media Delegate of the Coordination Council within the "Latushka's Team and the Movement for Freedom" faction, Yana Latushka, took part in the concert dedicated to the Belarusian folk holiday Kupalle, held in Białowieża. Photo: NAM media Yana performs as part of the ensemble of the Belarusian minority living in Poland — "Prymaki," which has preserved our song heritage for many years now. Thousands of guests from across the entire Podlaskie Voivodeship gathered for the holiday. The festival is organized with the financial support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland.

racyja.com Today, during the ceremony marking the end of the 2025/2026 school year at School Complex No. II with additional teaching of the Belarusian language in Hajnówka, a cash award, established from the personal funds of the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, delegate of the Coordination Council, Pavel Latushka, was presented to the best teacher of the Belarusian language, literature, and history at School Complex No. II with additional teaching of the Belarusian language in Hajnówka. This award was presented to Jan Korczewski — a teacher of the Belarusian language. Mr. Korczewski is the organizer of the Belarusian Storytelling ("Hawenda") Competition, has for many years successfully prepared students for the National Olympiad in the Belarusian language, and is also the initiator and organizer of numerous events and celebrations aimed at supporting and developing the language and culture of the Belarusian national minority; he is a methodologist for teaching the Belarusian language at the Teacher Education Center in Białystok. "Your dedication to the cause, high professionalism, and ability to instill in students a love for their native word evoke sincere admiration. A deep bow to you for your selfless work and for raising a truly worthy, conscious, and talented generation of Belarusians," — noted Pavel Latushka in his greeting letter. Pavel Latushka in his letter addressed the students and graduates of the Hajnówka lyceum: "I congratulate all lyceum students on the official end of classes, and I wish the graduates success and admission to the best higher education institutions of Poland and other European countries. You can sincerely take pride in the fact that you studied at one of the best lyceums in Poland, and in the fact that you did not renounce your roots, understanding the importance of preserving the heritage of your ancestors for future generations." Pavel Latushka confirmed that he is establishing this cash award on an annual basis, in order to continue supporting the best teachers of the lyceum. Pavel Latushka noted that for 30 years already — in the positions of Consul of Belarus in Białystok, Ambassador of Belarus to Poland, Minister of Culture, Permanent Representative of Belarus to UNESCO, and today as a Belarusian politician — he has been supporting and helping in the activities of School Complex No. II with additional teaching of the Belarusian language in Hajnówka. Also on the initiative of Pavel Latushka, a cash prize was established for the winners of the National Festival "Belarusian Song."

Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, member of the Coordination Council's delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka, held a meeting with PACE's special rapporteur on political prisoners, member of the Swedish parliament Azadeh Rojhan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the upcoming PACE report, which will reflect the situation with political prisoners in Belarus and present recommendations to the member states of the Council of Europe. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of PACE's Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Rafał Sokał, and member of the Coordination Council, secretary of the Coordination Council's delegation to PACE, Ksenia Lutskina. During the meeting, information was presented to the special rapporteur about the current situation with political prisoners, and a report was submitted on the release of political prisoners and the situation of former political prisoners in Belarus. Separately, the strategy of the democratic forces on this issue was presented. Pavel Latushka informed about the unprecedented-for-Europe scale of transnational repression by Lukashenko's regime, which corresponds to the concept of a "crime against humanity." Also during the meeting, Pavel Latushka noted that it is very important to lobby the member states of the Council of Europe to accelerate the issuance of legalization documents for deported political prisoners. Pavel Latushka and Ksenia Lutskina raised current issues concerning the importance of assistance to released political prisoners: financial contributions to the International Humanitarian Fund, support for LIBERECO and other human rights organizations, and the annulment of the passports of former political prisoners who were deported. During the meeting, the topic of an "artificially created humanitarian crisis" caused by Lukashenko's regime was raised, connected to the mass deportations of former political prisoners. It was also noted that released political prisoners who remain in Belarus are being pushed out of the country. PACE's special rapporteur on political prisoners, Azadeh Rojhan, expressed during the meeting her readiness to help resolve the problematic issues raised during the meeting. She also noted that she shares the position of Belarus's democratic forces and that she sees no reason to speak of a normalization of the situation with political prisoners, since the list keeps growing and people who remain inside the country are subjected to pressure. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation, and the documents submitted during the meeting will be taken into account in the report of PACE's special rapporteur on political prisoners.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Representative of the Cabinet for the Transition of Power, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Leader of the "Latushka Team and the Movement 'For Freedom'" faction within the 3rd convocation of the Coordination Council. Theses of speech by Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Member of the Coordination Council Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pavel Latushka, on the issue of Belarusian culture at the meeting of the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media. For decades, Lukashenko has fought against Belarusian culture, but today this struggle has reached an unprecedented scale. Culture has now become one of the primary targets of political repression in Belarus. It also serves as the main arena for Russia's hybrid war against Belarus, the goal of which is the reformatting of Belarusian identity. Similar processes are currently unfolding in the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia. The entire structure of the illegitimate regime in Belarus is infiltrated by Moscow’s agents of influence. The process is initiated by pro-Kremlin pseudo-activists who file politically motivated complaints against any manifestations of national identity. Security forces and propagandists then use these complaints as a pretext for repression, while the entire process is overseen by Russian ideologues, backed by financial support from Russian foundations and under the direct supervision of the Russian Embassy in Minsk. Against the backdrop of repressions against Belarusian culture, Russian artists, events, and professionals are flooding the cultural sphere in Belarus, which has been 'cleared' of Belarusian specialists and initiatives. The Kremlin's efforts regarding Belarus are aimed at dismantling national identity and fostering a sense of belonging to Russian culture. This acts as a preparation for a potential annexation of Belarus, ensuring that Belarusian society responds to it with loyalty. “Repression in Belarus has evolved beyond targeting political activists to encompass a systematic restructuring of cultural space, education, language use and historical narratives. Belarusian cultural and national identity and linguistic affiliation are increasingly treated as markers of political opposition,” emphasizes the report by Nils Muižnieks, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, published as part of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. The recent mass releases of political prisoners have taken place in parallel with targeted repressions against cultural figures: law enforcement agencies are methodically targeting individuals who had contacts with specific cultural organizations operating abroad, while also focusing their efforts on particular cultural sectors. According to the Belarusian PEN Centre, at least 117 representatives of the cultural sphere are currently imprisoned (including Pavel Belavus, founder of Symbal.by and the 'Godna' company, and Aleh Khamenka, musician, radio host, lecturer, composer, producer, and leader of the band 'Palac'), held in open-type correctional institutions, or serving politically motivated 'home confinement' sentences. On July 11, 2023, the political prisoner and artist Ales Pushkin died in a Hrodna prison. Ales Pushkin. Photo: Radio Svaboda As of 2026, there is not a single language school remaining in Belarus where foreigners can study the Belarusian language. Projects that popularize Belarusian culture and history are subjected to targeted harassment by propagandists. Under this pressure, even pro-regime yet Belarusian-language initiatives are being forced to close. Arrests of participants in cultural projects remain ongoing. In 2024–2025, a systemic hunt was launched against editors and administrators of the Belarusian-language Wikipedia. As a result of repressions and criminal cases, the number of new articles in the Belarusian language within this online encyclopedia has dropped to a historic low. Since 2020, the Lukashenko regime has liquidated more than 260 organizations operating within the cultural sector or having a cultural component to their activities. According to monitoring data provided by the Belarusian PEN Centre, the names of at least 428 cultural figures and workers who were dismissed for political reasons following the 2020 events in Belarus are known. Almost all cultural institutions established by Belarusians abroad have also been designated as “extremist formations” (such as Free Belarus Museum, 'Volnyja Kupalaŭcy', 'Budzma Belarusami', 'Inshya', and others). This means that if citizens inside Belarus watch their projects or materials, or visit them while abroad, they face political criminal prosecution." Source: spring96.org/ru/news/119805 In Belarus, theatrical productions are being canceled, and Belarusian-language theaters are undergoing forced Russification. Artistic directors from the Russian Federation have been appointed to lead Belarusian theaters, replacing the dismissed specialists in more than five instances. In the country’s leading Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre, where I previously served as General Director, a Russian director has been appointed, and Russian actors are being recruited into the troupe. This has happened to what was, until recently, the only fully Belarusian-language theater in Belarus. The absolute majority of leading state theaters and all independent theaters in the country have been subjected to repression, censorship, or personnel purges. From the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater alone, 58 people were dismissed, including 36 actors—nearly the entire troupe. Festivals and exhibitions are banned based on politically motivated complaints. The state’s monopolization of the cultural space—particularly the mandatory permit requirement for organizing events—creates ideal conditions for corruption and censorship. The leading independent Belarusian publishing houses (such as 'Yanushkevich' and 'Knigazbor') have been completely liquidated within the territory of Belarus. In February 2026, a new wave of searches and arrests of publishers and distributors took place. The largest publishing houses (including Gutenberg Publisher, Lohvinau, and others) have been designated as “extremist.”' In addition, the European Humanities University in Vilnius has also been declared an “extremist organization,” triggering a wave of searches and arrests targeting its current and former students. The works of Belarusian historians (such as Z. Shybeka and V. Lastouski) and masterpieces by classic authors (including V. Dunin-Marcinkievich, L. Heniyush, N. Arsenieva, and V. Niakliaeu) have been included in the lists of “extremist materials.” At the demand of state propagandists, Uladzimir Karatkievich’s prominent novel “Kalasy pad siarpom tvaim” was removed from the school program. For political reasons, the regime’s Ministry of Information has banned the distribution of 258 books, including fiction, history, and political science literature. Meanwhile, the courts, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the KGB have blacklisted over 9,000 items — such as websites, social media pages, and print publications — as so-called “extremist materials.” Between 2019 and 2024, the number of book titles published in the Belarusian language within Belarus dropped from 1,271 to 893, while the total print run experienced a sharp decline of nearly 700,000 copies. In 2022, the Council on Historical Policy was established, and the repressive law “On the Genocide of the Belarusian People” was adopted to criminally prosecute dissent against state-sponsored myths. More than 50 historians have been dismissed or forced out of the country. During 2024–2025, Moscow and Minsk agreed on the introduction of unified history textbooks for the so-called “Union State” for the 2026–2027 academic years; within these textbooks, the period of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is labeled as a “period of severe hardship”, but the era of the Russian Empire is Presented as an “epoch of peace and modernization.” The Belarusian People's Republic — the first Belarusian national democratic state, established in 1918 — is being absolutely erased from the historical narrative. Between 2023 and 2025, monuments and memorials honoring national heroes—such as Tadeusz Kościuszko, Kastuś Kalinoŭski, and Larysa Heniyush—were dismantled across the country. In place of Belarusian heroes, monuments dedicated to figures of Russian history are being installed in Minsk and other cities, including an 11-meter monument to Alexander Nevsky. Since 2023, a strict political certification process for tour guides has been introduced. Guides are arrested right in the middle of their tours for using the Belarusian language or providing "incorrect" historical assessments. The Belarusian Latin alphabet (Lacinka) has been absolutely eliminated from urban infrastructure. On public transport (for example, in Hrodna and Maladziechna), audio announcements in the Belarusian language are being canceled. As of today, only 1.4% of regulatory acts in the country are published in Belarusian. In 1994, 58% of first-graders in Minsk studied in the Belarusian language; by 1999, this number had dropped to 5.3%. By 2023, only 10% of schoolchildren nationwide were being educated in their native language, predominantly in rural schools that are now being closed down. Belarusian-language gymnasiums in the regions are being forcibly converted to Russian. The Belarusian language used to be viewed as the language of the opposition. Today, however, Lukashenko sees it as an element of resistance against his power. Many Belarusians do not speak Belarusian in public because they fear repression and persecution. Even when I was Minister of Culture, I was the only member of the government who publicly used the Belarusian language in public communication. Lukashenko himself said that “Belarusians are just Russians with a quality mark.” He always speaks Russian and claims it to be our native language. Lukashenko once told me face-to-face (now I view this as a completely false claim) that he would also speak Belarusian, but then Putin would sell him oil at a much higher price. In other words, he is ready to sell out Belarusian culture, language, and history for economic benefits, for cheap oil and gas. This is the true essence of this pro-Soviet and pro-Russian politician. For a long time, the West viewed the situation in Belarus only as a local human rights crisis. This is a dangerous mistake. Today, culture and identity are the frontline. Without large-scale, systemic, and decisive support for Belarusian culture, the European Union, in the very near future, will get right at its borders either an official new region of the Russian Federation or a country with a fully replaced Russian mentality—one that is deeply aggressive, militarized, and hostile toward Europe. The destruction of Belarusian culture turns a European society of nine million people into a faceless mobilization and ideological resource for the Kremlin’s military adventures. The destruction of Belarusian culture turns a 9-million European Belarusian society into a faceless mobilization and ideological resource for the Kremlin’s military adventures. A nation can survive without state borders, but it cannot survive without a strong national identity. If we pay enough attention to culture, it will help us not to talk about new military bases in the future. Sociological data from a study on national identity conducted for the Ebert Foundation show that it is national-oriented Belarusians who support the idea of European integration and Belarus's European choice to the greatest extent, unlike pro-Soviet and Russified ones. Recommendations and an action plan for democratic Europe. These proposals combine proposals from the Representation for National Revival of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, the Belarusian Council for Culture, and the National Anti-Crisis Management. Political recognition of ethnocide and sanctions: Adopt resolutions at the level of PACE and the European Parliament, officially qualifying the actions of Russia and the Lukashenko regime as a hybrid occupation and a creeping ethnocide of the Belarusian people. Introduce sanctions against officials, security forces, and propagandists responsible for the persecution of the language and culture, as well as the Russian foundations financing them. Russification is used as a tool of control, and the destruction of national culture as a way to weaken society. That is why supporting Belarusian culture is a matter of freedom, sovereignty, and European security. Creation of the European Fund for Belarusian Culture: Launch large-scale programs of institutional and financial support for independent Belarusian cultural institutions and initiatives, and educational projects both inside the country and in exile. Create a 2–3 year sub-program for Belarusians within the “Creative Europe” program. Support initiatives to integrate independent Belarusian culture into the European context, and expand its representation on European platforms. Investing in culture today is an investment in democracy, stability, and European security tomorrow. Protection of digital and historical heritage: Provide targeted grants for the digitization of Belarusian archives and books, the development of the Belarusian-language IT sector, and support for projects broadcasting into the country to deconstruct the 'Russian World' narratives. Distinguish between support for Belarusians and opposition Russians (so-called “good Russians'”). Support initiatives aimed at uniting figures from countries experiencing Russian influence attempts (Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan). Preventing a new 'Iron Curtain' between Belarus and Europe: Today, Belarusian artists, musicians, writers, and researchers continue to build bridges between Belarus and Europe. But these bridges are weakening. Travel restrictions, visa difficulties, problems opening bank accounts, and blocked access to professional opportunities risk creating a new "Iron Curtain"—not between regimes, but between people. We must preserve and expand mobility opportunities for Belarusians. Europe must remain open to Belarusian society, even if Belarus remains closed to Europe for now.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National аnti-сrisis management, Leader of the «Team Latushka and Movement “For Freedom”» faction of the Coordination Council of the 4rd convocation "From the large-scale militarization of Belarus follows a geopolitical axiom: without a free and independent Belarus, there can be no secure Europe", — Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, member of the Belarusian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka, during a briefing for members of the "Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe" (ALDE) group as part of PACE's summer session. During his speech, Pavel Latushka particularly drew attention to the fact that since the beginning of 2026, continuous military activity has been recorded along three key lines: the army, internal troops, and territorial defense. Along the line of the Armed Forces: in January, on Lukashenko's personal order, a large-scale surprise combat readiness inspection was launched, which was conducted covertly. In March, comprehensive tactical exercises of the Western Operational Command's troops took place near the EU borders. In May, joint exercises with Russia on the use of tactical nuclear weapons were held on the country's territory. Pavel Latushka noted that a number of key signs have been identified indicating that Lukashenko's regime is actively preparing for direct entry into military conflict. In parallel, along the line of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Internal Troops, harsh preparations are underway for suppressing any resistance under wartime conditions. Along the line of Territorial Defense, since May 12, mobilization musters have been deployed, forming local units from reservists. "In addition, it is important to note that since March 2025 not a single sanctions package has been adopted against Lukashenko's regime in connection with human rights violations in Belarus. At the same time, the scale of repression in Belarus is unprecedented. More than 60 thousand people have gone through detentions. About 10 thousand people have faced politically motivated criminal prosecution, and almost 8.5 thousand have been convicted. The recent designation of the European Humanitarian University in Lithuania as an "extremist organization" has triggered a wave of persecution of students and their relatives. At the moment, at least 60 searches are reported across the whole of Belarus. This harsh internal terror directly enables external aggression. The total suppression of society, the liquidation of independent media, and the destruction of the NGO sector have allowed Lukashenko to isolate internal resistance and hand over Belarusian territory, infrastructure, and airspace to the Russian army. Internal terror is the rear-area purge to ensure external aggression against Ukraine", — noted Pavel Latushka. During the briefing, Pavel Latushka called on members of the ALDE group to lobby the governments of their countries so that they support the International Criminal Court's investigation into the "Belarusian situation." As well as to support the institutions of democratic forces, independent media and bloggers, and civil society organizations.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National аnti-сrisis management, Leader of the «Team Latushka and Movement “For Freedom”» faction of the Coordination Council of the 4rd convocation "A national dialogue using the tool of a round table is needed to get out of the deep internal political crisis in Belarus", — noted delegate of the Coordination Council, member of the Belarusian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka, during a session of PACE's Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy. During his speech, Pavel Latushka noted that in order to achieve genuine, rather than cosmetic, political change in our country, we propose a strategy consisting of two directions: The United States, by deploying its instruments of sanctions pressure on the regime, as well as non-standard methods of diplomacy, has sufficient strength and resources to achieve the release of all political prisoners and to stop the repressions. We ask the European Union and other democratic countries to consistently use sanctions mechanisms as leverage to achieve real systemic change in Belarus. "Lukashenko is under enormous pressure from Putin. This is his fault and his responsibility, because it is precisely he who put Belarus into such dependence on Russia. On the other hand, Ukraine has made it very clear to him: if he drags Belarus into the war, this will lead to serious consequences. It is precisely the round table that can become a real way out, one that will make it possible to guarantee Ukraine's security, return to the Belarusian people the right to independently determine their own future, and create the preconditions for a broader peace process in the region. We see the European partners as one of the three sides of this Round Table — together with the democratic forces and representatives of the regime — and as a force capable of encouraging Minsk to sit down at the negotiating table through mechanisms of sanctions and coordinated pressure. At the same time, it is important to emphasize: any agreements with the regime made over the heads of Belarusian society are unviable, and history has already proven this more than once. Our main principle remains unchanged: "Nothing about Belarusians without Belarusians."» Also during his speech, Pavel Latushka noted that the conveyor belt of repression in Belarus does not stop for a single day. As an example, he cited large-scale searches across the entire country in connection with the politically motivated designation of the European Humanities University as an "extremist organization." Separately, Pavel Latushka emphasized the horrifying scale of transnational repression by Lukashenko's regime, which is unprecedented for Europe. In this regard, the Coordination Council delegate appealed to the deputies of Council of Europe member states to lobby their governments on the issue of supporting the investigation of the "Belarusian situation" at the International Criminal Court, in order to ensure comprehensive justice and prevent its fragmentation.

"When speaking about the situation of Belarusian citizens residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland on the basis of humanitarian visas, temporary residence permits obtained for humanitarian reasons, or subsidiary protection, it should be clearly emphasized that close family members of these individuals (parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren) have the opportunity to apply for visas on the basis of notarially certified invitations," — as stated in the response of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the corresponding appeal by Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, delegate of the Coordination Council of Belarus Pavel Latushka. Belarusian citizens residing on the territory of Poland on the basis of a residence permit for humanitarian reasons approached Pavel Latushka with a request to help resolve the issue of inviting relatives to Poland. The problem was that, following an approach to the Polish consulate in Minsk with a request to consider the possibility of issuing visas for parents, a response was received stating that persons holding a temporary residence permit may invite their parents to Poland provided that an invitation is arranged for them through the Voivodeship Office. The Voivodeship Office, in turn, responded that an invitation may be issued by a foreigner who, immediately prior to issuing the invitation, had legally and continuously resided on the territory of the Republic of Poland for no less than 5 years, or holds a permanent residence permit, or a long-term EU resident permit. In responding to Pavel Latushka's appeal on this matter, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that "in correspondence with the consul for the purpose of scheduling a date for submitting a visa application, these individuals must provide full information about the basis on which they obtained the right to reside in Poland. A consul, having received only a scan of a residence card marked 'access to the labour market', cannot determine whether the card was obtained on the basis of a temporary residence and work permit, or for humanitarian reasons, which also grant the right to employment, even though the actual basis for applying for the right of residence is entirely different. In order for the consul to make the correct decision regarding the application of the preferential procedure to a specific individual, he must have complete information about the inviting party. Possible misunderstandings may result from the absence of a full picture of the matter." "The United Transitional Cabinet expresses its gratitude to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for facilitating the obtaining of visas for relatives of Belarusian citizens, including those residing in Poland on the basis of international protection, humanitarian visas, and temporary residence permits obtained for humanitarian reasons. We highly value the cooperation with the Consular Department of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consular establishments of Poland abroad," — noted Pavel Latushka.