"I would like to thank all the representatives of European parliaments who have come to this meeting and, through you, express gratitude to your parliamentary delegations to PACE for granting a mandate to the delegation of the Belarusian democratic forces, composed of six members of the Coordination Council, to participate in the work of the Assembly" ,  Emphasized Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and member of the Coordination Council, during the third meeting of the Alliance of Parliamentary Groups ‘For Democratic Belarus’ , held in Paris  and organized by the National Assembly of France. Pavel Latushka noted that during the work of the delegation of the Belarusian democratic forces in PACE , it was possible to introduce two significant amendments  to the resolution on non-recognition of Lukashenka as president of the country , titled "The urgent need to hold free and fair elections in Belarus". Amendments were also successfully introduced to a number of other PACE resolutions  concerning the accountability of Lukashenka and his associates  for the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children , as well as to the resolution on responsibility for the act of aggression against Ukraine. "This is very important, because on the one hand, it allows us not only to create a legal basis for future, as I hope, decisions within the framework of the International Criminal Court and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, but on the other hand — it gives us a unique opportunity to establish very good bilateral contacts with members of parliaments of the Council of Europe member states". Pavel Latushka appealed to the attending parliamentarians  to initiate meetings in the foreign ministries of their countries  to improve the conditions for issuing visas to Belarusians, noting the growing difficulties  Belarusians face in obtaining visas. When visas are issued, they are most often single-entry and valid for only a few days , which greatly complicates communication between Belarusians and Europe in general — and is especially difficult for those who, due to the regime’s repression, have been deprived of the possibility to return to Belarus and to communicate with their families. During his speech, Pavel Latushka also stressed  that the Lukashenka regime has effectively refused to fulfill the state’s obligations  toward part of its citizens who were forced to leave Belarus due to the climate of fear and terror created by the regime. Belarusians abroad cannot obtain passports, extend their validity, or perform notarial acts  in embassies and consular offices. All these are critical issues  both for Belarusians themselves and for the European countries in which they reside. Pavel Latushka called on parliamentarians , including in his capacity as a member of the Working Group on the Legalization of Belarusians in Poland under the Ministry of Interior of Poland , who receives daily appeals from Belarusians , to raise the issue of improving conditions for legalization  of Belarusians during their meetings with the ministries of interior  of their respective countries.

During the meeting between Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya  and the President of the National Assembly of France, Yaël Braun-Pivet , Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), noted that France has always been, and remains, a leader in defending human rights, justice, and democracy. Pavel Latushka appealed to the Speaker of the French Parliament to support France’s involvement in the consideration of the Belarusian situation by the International Criminal Court , and emphasized the importance of bringing representatives of the Lukashenka regime to justice for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people. In the context of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, legally established within the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka also called on Yaël Braun-Pivet to support the examination of the issue of bringing Lukashenka and the so-called top military and political leadership of Belarus to accountability for the act of aggression committed against Ukraine. This issue was also discussed by Pavel Latushka during meetings with representatives of the Political and Legal Departments of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as with Frédéric Petit, Head of the Parliamentary Group “For Democratic Belarus” in the National Assembly of France. The French side expressed its readiness to examine and work through this issue in detail.

Pavel Latushka with Benjamin Roehrig, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Continental Europe of the French MFA. Photo: NAM Media. As part of a working visit to Paris , Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), held meetings with Benjamin Roehrig , Deputy Director of the Directorate for Continental Europe of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Élisabeth Berdens , Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Russia at the French MFA. The meetings were also attended by Uladzimir Astapenka , Representative of the United Transitional Cabinet for International and European Cooperation. The main topics of the meetings  included: the possible role of France in ensuring accountability of representatives of the Lukashenka regime  for crimes committed against the Belarusian people; France’s support for the release of political prisoners in Belarus; issues related to the legalization of Belarusians residing in France; further strengthening of sanctions pressure on the Lukashenka regime  for its support of Russian aggression against Ukraine; cooperation with the Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus within the OSCE  and the potential implementation of joint initiatives. During the meetings, Pavel Latushka also informed the French side about the growing persecution abroad of representatives of Belarusian democratic institutions and activists by the Lukashenka regime. The representatives of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed their steadfast support for the democratic forces of Belarus  in their struggle for freedom and independence. The constructive nature of the talks  allows both sides to look forward to continued cooperation and further assistance from France. Pavel Latushka and Uladzimir Astapenka will take part in the third meeting of the Alliance of Parliamentary Groups "For Democratic Belarus", organized by the National Assembly of France, which is being held on 6–7 October in Paris.

The Museum of Free Belarus, a project of the National Anti-Crisis Management,  invites you to the exhibition "Tożsamość" ("Identity") by the Polish artist of Belarusian origin, Leon Tarasewicz . The exhibition features two large works by the renowned artist. One painting is inspired by an optical phenomenon called "Alexander’s Belt" , named after Alexander of Aphrodisias, the Greek philosopher who lived at the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and was the first to describe this phenomenon. The second painting depicts a road disappearing into the fog among leafless trees . In form, the work refers to Tarasewicz’s earlier paintings from the mid-1980s — compositions built from rhythmic, simplified forms using a limited color palette. The exhibition is held as part of Warsaw Gallery Weekend (WGW ) — an annual survey of contemporary art involving leading art galleries, cultural institutions, foundations, and artist collectives. In 2025, WGW will be held for the 15th time, featuring 53 galleries and 50 exhibitions. The Museum of Free Belarus, as an independent institution, participates in this large-scale event for the first time in the WGW+ section. "I highly recommend everyone to visit the wonderful exhibition of Leon Tarasewicz at the Museum of Free Belarus. I became familiar with his work when I served as the consul and ambassador of Belarus in Poland. He is an excellent Belarusian artist, born in Poland, belonging to the Belarusian minority in Poland, and truly an artist of world renown", said Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka. Admission is free Date: September 19 – October 19 (closed on Mondays) Time: 11:00 – 20:00 (local time) Location: Museum of Free Belarus, Foksal 11/1, Warsaw

Pavel Latushka at the PACE session. Strasbourg, France, April 10, 2025. Photo: NAM-media Thesis of the Speech by Pavel Latushka, leader of the “Latushka’s Team and Movement ‘For Freedom’” faction, delegate of the Coordination Council to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, during the meeting of the PACE Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights 30 September 2025 Dear Mr. Chair, Dear Ms. Dulina, Madam Special Rapporteur, Mr. Petru, Dear colleagues, The situation of political prisoners in Belarus is a tragedy that continues to unfold before our very eyes, despite recent attempts by the Lukashenko regime to disguise repression as reform and mercy. Let me begin with the facts, without emotion. On 3 June 2025, according to the Human Rights Center Viasna, there were 1,183 political prisoners in Belarus. On 21 June, Lukashenko released Siarhei Tsikhanouski along with 13 others. On 2 July, he allegedly pardoned another 16. On 11 September, he released 52 more — although one of them Mikalai Statkevich was immediately rearrested because he refused to leave Belarus. And yet, as of today, the total number of political prisoners stands at 1,201 (30.09.2025). Since the so-called release of Mr.Tsikhanouski, the number of political prisoners has actually grown by 18. To put it simply: for every 9 released, 10 new people are put behind bars. It is worth noting that according to dissident.by   the number of political prisoners is even higher, 1336. This is not reform or mercy. This is a conveyor belt of repression. There is no change in policy. The regime of Lukashenko continues its campaign of repression. According to the human rights organization Viasna, at least 950 people have been convicted on politically motivated criminal charges since the beginning of this year. There have been over 2,100 instances of criminal and administrative persecution. The list of so-called “extremists” has grown by 960 individuals, and 74 new entities have been added to the list of “extremist formations.” The regime is not only intensifying its internal repression but also expanding its extraterritorial persecution of Belarusians abroad — including members of the Coordination Council and the Belarusian delegation to the PACE. Since the start of the year, the Lukashenko regime has opened at least 970 criminal cases against Belarusians living primarily in Poland and Lithuania. Secondly, those who are released are in fact not free. Their release is conditioned on forced expulsion from Belarus. How are these so-called “liberations” carried out? Prisoners have bags placed over their heads. They are transported to the border. They are expelled without passports, making it technically impossible to return. Expulsion is exercised with no regard for relatives left in Belarus. Families are separated. This is not liberation. It is the physical deportation of a persecuted group of the civilian population of Belarus for political reasons. It is also an act of persecution — one of many extraterritorial crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko and his senior political and military leadership. And what happens if a prisoner refuses to leave? The case of Mikalai Statkevich is telling. He insisted on staying in Belarus. Lukashenko did not allow him to remain free — he was immediately thrown back into prison.This demonstrates that persecuted individuals have no genuine choice: either leave their country under duress or return to prison. Pavel Latushka. Photo: NAM-media Colleagues, I must therefore ask: is it even correct to speak of these events as “releases”? In reality, what we are witnessing is not liberation but another form of cruelty, a mockery of justice and of human dignity. To call these expulsions “releases” is like calling exile a gift, or chains a form of protection. Let us be clear: Lukashenko is not changing course. He is refining his machinery of repression. Every so-called concession is paired with a greater act of injustice. Every alleged gesture of mеrcy masks another crime. We must not be deceived. The only path forward is unwavering pressure until every political prisoner in Belarus is unconditionally and genuinely free, in their own country, with their families, and with their rights restored. Until a genuine change in internal policy. In the end I would like to note that on this very day, exactly one year ago, the Government of Lithuania referred to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court the request to investigate crimes against humanity committed extraterritorially by the Lukashenko regime. The Office of the Prosecutor is now conducting a preliminary examination of this situation. Today, more than ever, supporting this process is crucial. All victims are entitled to justice. Restoring their rights is not only a legal necessity, it is our common moral duty. Thank you!

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. "As a member of the Coordination Council of Belarus, I would like to express our strong support for the International Criminal Court. Today, the ICC remains the only effective mechanism capable of investigating crimes committed by the highest political and military leadership of Belarus, in particular against Belarusians and Ukrainians",  said Pavel Latushka , head of the Latushka’s Team and Movement "For Freedom"  faction and delegate of the Coordination Council to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) , during the meeting of the PACE Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights  held within the framework of the PACE Autumn Session. "In addition to investigating the situation in Ukraine, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC is currently conducting a preliminary examination of the situation in Belarus. The Coordination Council has adopted a special resolution on the importance of the ICC’s investigation of crimes committed by Lukashenka and his associates and on bringing the responsible persons to justice. In this regard, it is crucial that the Court can exercise its mandate without any interference" , emphasized Pavel Latushka. The rapporteur on threats to the International Criminal Court, Tekke Penman (Netherlands),  supported Latushka’s position, noting that it is necessary to prepare a report and strengthen the role of the ICC  within the international justice system. Following the Committee meeting, an agreement was reached on cooperation in preparing the report. On the sidelines of the PACE Autumn Session, Pavel Latushka met with Ivan Račan , a member of the Croatian Parliament and newly appointed rapporteur on the report concerning the situation in Belarus.  There was an exchange of views on the situation in Belarus, and the Croatian representative stressed the importance of focusing on mass human rights violations  and preparing a corresponding report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Pavel Latushka also met with Konstantinos Efstathiou, rapporteur on transnational crimes.  He informed him that since the beginning of this year, the so-called Investigative Committee of Belarus has initiated at least 970 criminal prosecutions of an extraterritorial nature  against Belarusians legally residing in Poland and Lithuania. It was noted that the regime uses non-political criminal charges , such as corruption and others, to persecute its political opponents. Pavel Latushka stressed that the Belarusian people today are the most exposed to transnational repression among all the peoples of Europe.

"The goal of the Belarusian democratic movement is to build a society of true equality, a society where there is no place for discrimination and second-class citizens", noted Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka, at the opening of the event organized in Strasbourg by the Council of Europe  — "European Standards of Equality and Anti-Discrimination" , in support of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. Pavel Latushka , speaking on behalf of Cabinet Head Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , delivered a welcoming address to the participants, emphasizing that: "For decades, the people of Belarus have lived in a system where equality is denied, discrimination is institutionalized, and repression based on discriminatory grounds is used as a tool of governance. Independent voices are silenced, civil society is persecuted, and entire communities face systemic discrimination. In 2018, Lukashenko referred to a bill aimed at combating domestic violence and discriminatory practices as, and I quote, a 'foolish Western import', even claiming that such measures contradict so-called 'Slavic traditions'. Using 'traditions' to justify violence and discrimination is profoundly cynical. I cannot speak for all Slavic peoples, but I can say with confidence that there is no place for violence in Belarusian traditions — neither in the family nor in society as a whole. All the violence we see in Belarus today is the result of a regime alien to our people. We envision a future Belarus where everyone — regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion, language, political beliefs, or social background — can fully and equally participate in public life". The Deputy Head of the Cabinet emphasized the importance of using European standards on equality and anti-discrimination as a benchmark for a democratic Belarus , noting that for Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, these standards serve as: A source of legitimacy  — ensuring that the future Belarus will align with European values of equality and justice. A practical tool  — providing tested legal frameworks, policies, and institutional models for combating discrimination in all its forms. A moral shield  — giving activists and citizens confidence that their struggle is not isolated, but part of broader European commitments. "I want to thank the Council of Europe for its unwavering support of Belarusian civil society in promoting equality, human rights, and democratic values. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Belarusian civil society organizations, particularly the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, which developed the Concept of a System of Measures for Combating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality in Belarus, including the draft law 'On Equality and Non-Discrimination'". During his speech, Pavel Latushka stressed that the Belarusians’ fight for equality is not only a national struggle but also a broader European one . "Let me once again confirm: there can be no genuine democracy in Belarus without equality, and no justice without the fight against discrimination", emphasized Pavel Latushka.

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. A Legislative Path to War? How "Legally" Transforms Belarus into a Militarized Dictatorship Today, September 16, 2025, the House of Representatives in Minsk adopted in the first reading two draft laws that radically change the security system in the country. These are not just technical amendments; they are consistent, well-planned steps aimed at the militarization of Belarus and preparation for potential participation in aggression. As we showed in detail in our documentary "Belarus in the Grip of War: Chronicles of Transformation", these changes are not accidental but part of a single strategy that systematically turns the country into a military stronghold. These draft laws were adopted as part of a large-scale update of Belarusian military legislation and its alignment with the new Military Doctrine. In our film, we already analyzed how the new Military Doctrine, instead of its declared “defensive” nature, lays the foundation for aggressive actions. We explained that it erases the line between peacetime and wartime, gives the army functions of suppressing internal protests, and expands the concept of "military threat", allowing the regime to use force against its own people. Watch our film — we analyze in depth how this works. And you will see that the adoption of these draft laws is a further development and legal consolidation of the very threats we described. They turn doctrinal provisions into real, functioning mechanisms. Preventive Aggression: Lukashenka Entrenches Dictatorship by Force Photo source: bntu.by Analysis of the draft laws shows that they are part of Lukashenka’s broader strategy to forcibly militarize the country and prepare for potential participation in aggression. It is obvious that these changes are directly connected with Russia’s war against Ukraine — launched with the support and complicity of the Lukashenka regime — as well as with the regime’s aggressive stance toward neighboring EU countries. Centralization of command. The first draft law, "On Amendments to Laws on Ensuring Military Security and Defense", significantly expands the powers of the security forces, concentrating all military power in the hands of Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Now, when martial law is introduced, the Ministry of Defense will act as the executive body of the Security Council under the direct leadership of the Commander-in-Chief. This is not merely an administrative simplification — it is a dangerous concentration of power that allows quick and decisive military decisions, including beyond the country’s borders. New tasks of the Armed Forces in peacetime — preparation for invasion and repression: "Preventive measures to eliminate a military threat": This is the key and most dangerous wording, also contained in the first draft law. It opens the door for military actions outside Belarus under the pretext of "eliminating a threat". This provision is the next step in granting legal status to the actions we warned about in our film. Given Lukashenka’s constant aggressive rhetoric toward Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine, this provision could be used to legitimize sabotage or even open invasion of their territories. "Prevention of an internal armed conflict": This wording, also taken from the draft law, is a direct indication of using the army against its own people. Previously, the army could only “resolve” conflicts; now it is tasked with "preventing" them. Any expression of dissent or peaceful protest could be declared an "internal conflict", giving the army the right to suppress civic resistance. We well remember how the regime interpreted the protests of 2020, and now it gains a legal basis for even harsher repression. "Information warfare": The inclusion of "participation in creating favorable conditions in the information space" among the Armed Forces’ tasks legalizes the use of the army for propaganda purposes. This is a complete copy of the Russian military doctrine, where the armed forces actively conduct "information confrontation". Legal Consolidation of Complicity and Loss of Sovereignty "Nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system. The Zapad-2025 exercises have begun in Belarus." Source: gazeta.ru Perhaps the most dangerous point is the amendments to the Law "On Martial Law", which effectively establish the possibility of turning Belarus into a legally obligated accomplice in any war launched by Russia. Act of aggression against the Union State or a CSTO member: This now becomes a direct basis for introducing martial law in Belarus. In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, this is not just a theoretical provision. We see how Russia uses Belarusian territory as a springboard, training ground, and supply base. The new law creates conditions for consolidating this status of Belarus as an accomplice in aggression, potentially obliging it to participate in Russia’s conflicts. If the Kremlin provokes an incident with Lithuania or Poland, or escalates aggression in Ukraine, Lukashenka will have the legislative basis to immediately involve the country in war. Loss of sovereignty: The Lukashenka regime effectively hands over sovereignty in matters of war and peace to the Kremlin. This is yet another step toward turning Belarus into a Kremlin puppet. Militarization of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES): Expansion of the Repressive Apparatus The second draft law, concerning the Ministry of Emergency Situations, at first glance might not seem connected to the military threat — but it is. It represents another step toward the total militarization of society. MES becomes a militarized organization: Rescue units, which should provide assistance to the civilian population, are now equated with army structures. Their employees gain the right to conduct personal searches and use special means — effectively turning them into another security force with police functions. Centralization of financing: The draft law excludes MES funding from regional budgets and the budget of Minsk. This means financing will be carried out exclusively from the republican budget. This is not just a technical adjustment but a strategic decision that strengthens control over financial flows, fully centralizing them in the hands of the leadership. It deprives regions of any autonomy in financing matters and allows the regime to direct all funds and resources according to its plans, including suppressing dissent. Conclusion: The Last Chance to Prevent Disaster These two draft laws are not mere technical changes. They demonstrate the implementation of Lukashenka’s strategic goals in his aggressive policy. He is deliberately and systematically: Integrating Belarus into the Kremlin’s military plans. This happens not only through political statements but also at the legislative level. The adoption of amendments that in effect oblige Belarus to participate in military conflicts as Russia’s ally legally transforms the country into a full-fledged staging ground for Russian aggression — and, at the same time, makes it not only a potential accomplice but also a potential target. Expanding the powers of security forces and militarizing civilian agencies to strengthen total control. The new laws turn the army into a tool for suppressing internal resistance, while agencies such as the MES gain functions typical of security structures. This creates a unified control system where practically any civilian agency can be used to fight dissent. Creating legal mechanisms to suppress any resistance. Phrases like "prevention of internal armed conflict" give the regime formal grounds to use the army against its own people. This is a legal cover for repression that completely unties the dictator’s hands and allows him to act even more harshly, without regard for legal norms. We see that Lukashenka’s regime continues to transform Belarus into a militarized dictatorship. His actions show that he is not interested in peace — despite all his false populist statements — but continues to prepare the country for war. And this is no longer just a threat; it is a legal reality. How did we get to this reality? We explain this in detail in our documentary " Belarus in the Grip of War ". Watch it, share this video with your friends. It is important to know the truth — because the regime’s propaganda will never tell it.

"The Zapad-2025 exercises have ended, and many may feel tempted to breathe a sigh of relief. Can Europe feel safe again? Unfortunately, the answer is simple and grim: no, it cannot", noted Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, head of the NAM, Pavel Latushka, during a meeting with students from more than 30 countries at the College of Europe in Natolin. The College of Europe, established on the initiative of the Hague Congress, traces its history back to 1949 and is the oldest higher education institution specializing in European studies. The College educates students from more than 30 countries around the world, who already hold master’s degrees in economics, law, political science, and history. As a special guest of the College of Europe, Pavel Latushka explained how the dictator Lukashenko, by initiating the creation of the so-called Union State, gave Russia an instrument to deprive Belarus of sovereignty and independence, and also provided students with a detailed overview of the current situation in Belarus and the potential threats to security and stability in Europe posed by the Lukashenko regime. Discussing the threats posed by the   "Zapad-2025"  exercises, Pavel Latushka noted that Russia used the "Caucasus-2008" exercises to attack Georgia, the "Zapad-2013"  exercises as a cover to gather Russian troops later used to seize Crimea and deploy sabotage groups in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. After the "Zapad-2021"  exercises, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, including from Belarusian territory. "What unites all these examples? None of these attacks took place directly during the exercises. There was always a pause after which the exercises turned into real military actions. This tactic makes any military exercises near a border a potential threat", noted Pavel Latushka. The head of the NAM also spoke about the large-scale provocation by Russia and the Lukashenko regime, during which 19 drones entered Polish airspace, including from Belarusian territory,  and explained to students the goals of this joint operation by Russia and Lukashenko. During the meeting, students were very interested in the situation in Belarus and spent more than an hour asking Pavel Latushka questions about security in our region, political prisoners, and how Europe and other democratic countries can help in our struggle for a free, democratic, and independent Belarus. This was yet another lecture by Pavel Latushka as a special guest at the College of Europe on the topic of the situation in Belarus and around it. Previously, in July, the Deputy Head of the Cabinet spoke to 40 young diplomats from EU member states and EU candidate countries.

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. Regarding Lukashenko’s issues with China and the question of when Poland will open its border with Belarus A close ally of Xi Jinping and member of the top party body — the Politburo of the CCP Central Committee, Li Xi, is traveling to Minsk. He is responsible in the Chinese Communist Party for maintaining discipline and fighting corruption, including abroad. Li Xi’s task is to check Lukashenko’s discipline, i.e., whether the dictator is fulfilling the agreed-upon commitments. This visit is part of a major signal: Beijing is ready and capable of controlling its partners, especially when their actions affect global initiatives (for example, “Belt and Road Initiative”). If Lukashenko violates the agreements, China may apply pressure through the threat of terminating or revising economic projects or transit routes, which would be painful for Lukashenko. According to Newsweek, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorskiduring a meeting in Warsaw on September 15 that the Chinese authorities would conduct a “frank discussion with Lukashenko”. To date, the Lukashenko regime is a source of instability and threat not only for the Belarusian people, but also for the entire region — from the Baltic to the Black Sea, from EU borders to the corridors of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Belarus could have been a bridge between East and West. However, Lukashenko has turned it into a source of risks, isolation, and crises.

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. Once, the authorities promised us a digital future, new opportunities, innovations that would make the country a global leader. We were told that Belarus would become the "Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe", that the High-Tech Park would become a gateway to the future. But in reality — everything turned out completely differently. In 2017, Lukashenka signed the infamous Decree No. 8. It was presented as a revolution: legalizing mining, ICOs, and cryptocurrency exchanges. The authorities said: "Look, we are ahead of the whole world! Even Europe doesn’t have this". Many people believed it. Young entrepreneurs were creating startups, IT specialists hoped that finally they would have a chance to implement their ideas at home, not in Warsaw or Vilnius. And what do we see today? Instead of the promised freedom — a complete fiasco. Belstat estimates the digital sector’s share in 2024 at 6.1% of GDP, while the information and computer technology sector accounts for 5.4%. In 2021, these shares were noticeably higher — 7.9% and 7.5%, respectively. In Minsk, in 2020, the information and communication technology sector generated 20.8% of the city’s gross product. By 2024, its contribution had shrunk to 12.8%. In 2025, the IT contribution to GDP continues to decline. Operational data for the “information and communication” activity show its GDP share fell to 4.8%. Belstat data also show that the number of people employed in the digital economy has decreased by 1.6% over five years. Currently, around 130,000 people work in the sector. The Belarusian crypto market is also in crisis. Why? Because under a dictatorship, any initiative sooner or later turns into its opposite. First , lack of real oversight and legal guarantees. At first, the authorities handed out benefits and opened doors to everyone, just to create the appearance of progress. But there was no mature system of investor protection, no genuine judicial independence, and there still isn’t. As a result, tens of millions of dollars invested by people simply disappeared. Fourteen million dollars in unreturned funds were mentioned in a meeting. But how much actually vanished? Second , the state itself became complicit in the failure. The crypto exchange created in the High-Tech Park was not a private garage project — it was a flagship, a showcase of the regime. Today, this "showcase" is broken. Lukashenka himself admits: people’s money is disappearing, the exchange is not fulfilling its obligations, inspections reveal violations. But who is responsible? No one. The leaders remain free, and the blame is once again placed on the people. Third , instead of honestly admitting mistakes and creating transparent rules, the authorities respond with threats and repression. We hear from Lukashenka: "Hang, shoot, imprison". That is his entire strategy. Where reforms, laws, and independent courts are needed — he offers fear and prisons. But fear will not return people’s money. Prisons will not restore trust in the state. Fourth , the crypto market collapsed not only because of internal mistakes. Belarus’s external isolation plays a role. Sanctions, international isolation, toxic reputation — all this makes it impossible to work normally with foreign exchanges and investors. Today, no one wants to do business with a regime known only for repression and fraud. Therefore, funds deposited on foreign platforms are blocked, and Belarusian investors are left with nothing. And the overall picture of decline is clear: startups move abroad, IT specialists flee to Vilnius and Warsaw, trust in the High-Tech Park and the "digital economy" is destroyed, people lose money, while the regime pretends to "look for the guilty". But the main culprit is right in front of us: Lukashenka himself. He wanted to show the world that Belarus is a cryptocurrency oasis, that we have progressive laws. But any project launched without freedom, without independent courts, and without accountability of the authorities is doomed to fail. And here is the result: instead of a thriving market, we have another story of corruption, impunity, and lost opportunities. Belarus could have become a regional leader in blockchain, attracting billions in investment, providing jobs for thousands of specialists, keeping talent in the country. But Lukashenka destroyed all of it. This is another lesson for us: no "top-down innovation" will save the country if the system itself does not change. A digital economy is impossible without freedom, the rule of law, and independent courts. Cryptocurrency is a symbol of decentralization, trust, and openness. In Belarus, all of this turned out to be incompatible with dictatorship. The decline of the crypto market in Belarus is merely a reflection of the decline of Lukashenka’s governing model. Where there is no freedom — there is no future. Where fear reigns — there are no innovations. Where the authorities talk about "hangings and shootings" instead of honest dialogue — trust will never exist. But we have a chance. The Belarus of the future can regain its place on the map of the digital economy. For this, we need not imitation reforms, but real change. We need a new government accountable to citizens, not hiding behind threats. We need an independent judiciary to protect investors. We need free people who will build a 21st-century economy without dictatorship and fear. Belarus can still become a country of opportunities. But only without Lukashenka.

The position of the United Transitional Cabinet  regarding the strengthening of pressure on the Lukashenko regime  in order to change its internal repressive and external aggressive policies was presented by the Deputy Head of the Cabinet, head of the NAM, Pavel Latushka , during a meeting with Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, Piotr Zgorzelski . The meeting was also attended by speaker of the Coordination Council, Artsiom Brukhan . During the meeting, Pavel Latushka noted  that Poland’s decision to close border crossings  will, among other things, have an impact on limiting the sources of funding for the repressive apparatus  used by the Lukashenko regime against the Belarusian people, and will also restrict the resources allocated by Lukashenko to support aggression against Ukraine . At the same time, the Deputy Head of the Cabinet emphasized  that for the UTC it is important to preserve the opportunities for communication between Belarusians and Europe  to maintain interpersonal contacts between Belarusians and citizens of European countries , noting that the majority of Belarusians support democratic changes in the country and do not support aggression against Ukraine . Separately, during the meeting, the need to advocate for the release of all political prisoners  was discussed, among whom is the leader of the Polish minority in Belarus, Andrzej Poczobut . Pavel Latushka informed  about the approaches being developed by the Cabinet  for organizing a national dialogue aimed at exiting the deep internal political crisis  in the country and preserving Belarusian statehood and independence . The Deputy Marshal of the Sejm , representing in parliament one of the parties in the governing coalition — the Polish Peasant Party , expressed readiness to support the democratic forces of Belarus and the institutions in their activities , including a willingness for broad communication with representatives of his party in the Polish government  as well as with Members of the European Parliament on the Belarusian issue .