Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador At the initiative of the member of the Coordination Council of Belarus and delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Pavel Latushka , an amendment was included in the final PACE resolution regarding the responsibility of Alexander Lukashenko for the transfer of Ukrainian children from the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus and through Belarusian territory to Russia. This amendment was submitted based on evidence collected by the National Anti-Crisis Management, which was presented to PACE. Today, during the PACE summer session, the resolution "Legal and human rights aspects of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine"  was considered and adopted. The submitted amendment states that "a s of 14 August 2024, at least 3,500 Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine had been forcibly transferred through or into Belarus, where these children were subjected to a Russian political, military, and religious indoctrination program. This transfer was carried out under a direct order from Alexander Lukashenko " . During the discussion of the amendment, the rapporteur for the resolution, Mr. Erik-Niiles Kross (Member of the Estonian Parliament) , particularly noted that " This initiative comes from Belarusian colleagues who themselves fell under repression for collecting this evidence ". Since spring 2023, the National Anti-Crisis Management has been systematically collecting information on the illegal transfer of minors from the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine into Belarus. The relevant evidence has been submitted in two communications to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, as well as to the General Prosecutor’s Offices of Ukraine and Lithuania. It should be recalled that earlier, at the April PACE session, on the initiative of Pavel Latushko, another amendment was included in a different PACE resolution that envisages the necessity to extend the jurisdiction of the future Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine to the corresponding actions of the highest military-political leadership of the Lukashenko regime.

Ales Bialiatski in court, March 3, 2023. Source: spring96.org "Your influential voice, amplified by the immense moral authority of the Nobel Committee, could significantly raise international awareness about the catastrophic human rights situation and ongoing repression in Belarus",  emphasized Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, in his appeal to the Norwegian Nobel Committee . In his letter, Pavel Latushka requested the Committee  to consider the possibility of broader and more consistent public support for the release  of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of the human rights center "Viasna", Ales Bialiatski , as well as all political prisoners in Belarus. "Continued support is crucial for maintaining pressure on the Belarusian authorities and ensuring that the fate of those unjustly imprisoned is not forgotten. The Nobel Peace Prize has brought much-needed global attention to Ales Bialiatski’s fate and the broader struggle for human rights in Belarus. However, the situation remains critical, and international attention is gradually fading ", noted Pavel Latushka in his letter. In its response, the Norwegian Nobel Committee stated that Pavel Latushka’s request "will be submitted for the Committee’s attention at its next meeting" . Although the Nobel Committee emphasized that it very rarely expresses its opinion, in the few cases when it does, the focus is on the situation of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. The Committee stressed that "The Chair and members of the Committee are following the situation in Belarus with great concern". Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Kristian Berg Harpvike n, assured in his response that he would continue to monitor developments regarding Pavel Latushka’s appeal and provide further information.

Today, on June 19, 2025, we mark the birthday of Vasil Bykau  — a towering figure in Belarusian literature. He was a man of unwavering truth, the voice of the nation’s conscience. That is precisely why he was unacceptable to an authoritarian regime — a regime that feared those who spoke the truth. I am proud to have had the opportunity to personally engage with his legacy. I am proud that, during my time as Minister of Culture of Belarus, I initiated the creation of the Vasil Bykau Museum  in Zhdanovichi. It was not just a cultural project —  it was a moral obligation to a man who devoted his life to serving Belarus . One of my very first initiatives as Minister of Culture was directly related to Vasil Bykau. I sent an official appeal to Lukashenko’s administration proposing to officially honor the memory of the great writer. The response was categorical — a flat refusal. Because to the regime, Bykau was dangerous: free, honest, principled. But I did not give up. The museum was eventually established at his summer house in Zhdanovichi. Preserving his legacy became not just a ministerial duty, but a personal responsibility. Bykau is the conscience of our nation , and I knew clearly: we had no right not to do this. When I served as Minister of Culture, there was always a photograph of Vasil Bykau on my desk — the same one you now see here. One of my most vivid memories related to Bykau’s legacy occurred when I was already the Director of the Kupala Theatre. Together with actors and cultural figures, we visited his summer house on his birthday. We planted cornflowers — his favorite flowers — drank tea, and simply talked. These are difficult times now. Many feel demotivated. But I continue to believe and to work so that we may one day gather again at that summer house. We will come together, recall the hard times, and rejoice in our freedom. And we will plant cornflowers again — as a symbol that the memory of the legacy of this great Belarusian, the pride of the nation, Vasil Bykau, lives on and will live forever. I also invite you to watch my video on YouTube  with personal recollections of Vasil Bykau, and to read my post on Facebook : "The most precious gift I have in memory of Bykau — a drawing made by his own hand".

The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (hereinafter referred to as the Financial Supervision Authority) sent a letter to supervised banks, emphasizing that these institutions (including banks) are required, when applying financial security measures under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, to consider all documents that may confirm the identity of a foreigner. The Authority specifically noted that a Temporary Foreigner Identity Certificate should be fully recognized as such a document. This clarification was provided in response to a formal inquiry submitted by Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM). The inquiry was part of a broader communication effort involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Financial Supervision Authority, coordinated by the NAM and the Office for the Transition of Power of the United Transitional Cabinet. These efforts were undertaken at the request of former political prisoners and the Belarusian Association of Former Political Prisoners "Da Voli". This position establishes the Temporary Foreigner Identity Certificate as a legitimate basis for opening bank accounts for Belarusians  who, due to the repressive policies of the Lukashenko regime, have been forced into exile in Poland and are currently awaiting international protection. The Financial Supervision Authority also highlighted that, in light of sanctions imposed on Belarus, Belarusian nationals may fall into a group of clients considered at higher risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. However, "refusing to establish or deciding to terminate business relations cannot be justified solely on the grounds of classifying a client as high-risk" . Before making such decisions, banks must ensure they have considered all available risk mitigation measures. "Every decision to refuse or terminate business relations must be justified, documented, and made available to the supervisory authority upon request" . The Authority also stressed that it is inappropriate to automatically treat all clients from one group (in this case, Belarusian citizens) as equally high-risk without conducting an individual risk assessment of each potential client.  Such an approach may be considered unjustified by the Financial Supervision Authority and may indicate ineffective risk management on the part of the financial institution. The Financial Supervision Authority also reported that the Polish Travel Document for Foreigners  is not considered a valid identity document  and therefore cannot be used for opening a bank account . It was further noted that the Authority’s position on this matter has been forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior of Poland , with an indication that in order for the Travel Document for Foreigners  to be recognized as a valid document for the identification and verification of identity when opening a bank account , appropriate amendments to the Act on Foreigners  would be required. The National Anti-Crisis Management  and the Office for the Transition of Power of the United Transitional Cabinet will submit a follow-up request  to the Ministry of the Interior of Poland, asking it to consider these matters positively. Furthermore, the Financial Supervision Authority clarified that it is currently not possible to open a bank account solely based on a Belarusian passport with a humanitarian visa. Banks have the right to request documents from potential clients confirming the purpose and nature of opening the account, as this is part of their legal obligations under existing regulations.

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. Threats of imprisonment, which Lukashenko has regularly directed at various categories of workers and public servants over decades, are a defining feature of his style of governance. These are not mere emotional outbursts but a deliberate, systematic approach serving several key purposes: An Instrument of Total Control and Intimidation The main objective is the pursuit of absolute control. Threats of prison create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, forcing officials, enterprise directors, and even rank-and-file employees to act strictly according to the regime’s instructions — without initiative or deviation. No one wants to come under investigation, and this ensures personal loyalty and compliance. A Display of Strength and Ownership The dictator constantly seeks to project strength an d a sense of dominion. For Lukashenko, this is a way to continuously reaffirm his unchecked power and his self-image as the sole master of the country. He positions himself as the only authority who can grant mercy or impose punishment. These public threats are meant to demonstrate that he controls all spheres of life and can punish anyone at will. A Means of Shifting Blame Prison threats are often voiced in connection with failures to meet targets, economic difficulties, or allegations of corruption. This becomes a convenient tool to shift responsibility for failures away from himself onto specific subordinates. When things go wrong, it is the “slackers” or “corrupt officials” who are blamed — not the systemic flaws or inefficiency of the governance model. The Illusion of a Fight Against Corruption Lukashenko continuously cultivates the appearance of a battle against corruption and inefficiency. Public arrests and prosecutions are intended to convince the population that the regime is upholding order and justice — all while distracting from deeper systemic issues. Psychological Pressure on Officials and His Own Inner Circle Constant threats of arrest and imprisonment exert psychological pressure not only on various officials and managers but also on the dictator’s own entourage. The persistent anticipation of punishment wears people down, stripping them of the will to resist and promoting conformity. Even if actual arrests are fewer than the threats, the mere presence of such threats serves as a powerful deterrent. Projection of His Own Fears By constantly threatening officials with prison, Lukashenko is projecting onto others the very consequences he fears most for himself. A dictator so obsessed with control and punishment clearly dreads being held accountable for his own crimes.

Pavel Latushka and Dirk Schuebel . Photo: NAM-media The Lukashenko regime’s support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, the internal political situation in Belarus, and the activities of democratic forces were the main topics discussed during a meeting between Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka  and Dirk Schuebel , Head of the Russia Division at the European External Action Service and former Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus, held in Brussels. Pavel Latushka thanked Dirk Schuebel for his principled stance during his tenure at the EU Delegation in Belarus and for his continued support of the democratic movement. The meeting addressed the potential introduction by the European Union of price restrictions on petroleum product supplies from Belarus. "If such a decision is adopted, it will affect the sale potential of products from the Mozyr and Navapolatsk oil refineries. These refineries also supply petroleum products in the interests of Russia, which continues its aggression against Ukraine. This would deliver an additional blow to the revenues of the Lukashenko regime, which uses these funds to continue unprecedented repressions inside the country and support military aggression", — noted Pavel Latushka. As part of the 18th EU sanctions package, there is an ongoing discussion on a possible further reduction of the price cap on Russian oil,  which could also affect sales of Belarusian oil extracted domesticall y. Pavel Latushka also drew attention to an issue faced by Belarusians legally residing in the EU: difficulties in opening accounts with commercial banks. "This is primarily linked not to sanctions, but to the internal policies of specific banks. An agreement was reached to send additional information to the European External Action Service requesting assistance in resolving this issue". It was specifically noted that there is a shared understanding within the EU of the importance of a synchronized and harmonized approach to sanctions against both Russia and the Lukashenko regime, to prevent the use of Belarus as a channel for circumventing sanctions : "This is strategically important for achieving the goal of stopping Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is being supported by the Lukashenko regime. It also limits Lukashenko’s ability to profit from the war and use those resources for internal repression", — emphasized Pavel Latushka.

P. Latushka, Brussels 2025 Photo: NAM-Media Lukashenko is a partner and ally of the Kremlin, not its hostage The dangerous and misleading notion that Lukashenko’s aggressive actions are driven by pressure from Moscow dilutes his responsibility. The facts show that Lukashenko is consciously aiding the Kremlin in its aggression, using Putin’s support to maintain power and suppress Belarusians. He receives resources and political protection in exchange for his loyalty. Belarus is not just a territory used for war. The Lukashenko regime is an active and motivated participant in the conflict, a co-organizer of aggression. The deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus — the first such case since the collapse of the USSR — confirms the level of Lukashenko’s dependency and the threat to the region. He is acting strategically, preparing for long-term confrontation with the West, intensifying repression, and strengthening ties with authoritarian regimes. The presence of Russian troops and nuclear weapons in Belarus threatens not only Ukraine but also Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The regime’s hybrid actions — migration pressure, provocations, cyberattacks, disinformation — continue to escalate as elements of hybrid warfare against Europe. The existence of the Lukashenko regime is both a domestic tragedy for Belarusians and an external threat. An alternative future for Belarus: civil and political infrastructure Despite the repressions following 2020, the Belarusian democratic movement has created an unprecedented civil and political infrastructure: President-elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the legitimate representative of the majority; The United Transitional Cabinet acts as the executive body; The Coordination Council serves as a representative body, formed through democratic elections; A network of Cabinet representations and People’s Embassies exists in over 20 countries; A developed civil society ecosystem has emerged. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians abroad — part of the new Europe Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians were forced to leave their homeland because of the regime and its support for the war. This is an unprecedented situation: From 2020 to 2023, Belarusians submitted 800,000 residency applications in the EU. For example, in 2024 alone, over 5,600 Belarusians acquired Polish citizenship. By early 2025, over 9,300 companies with Belarusian shareholders (73% established after 2020) and 20,000 sole proprietorships created by Belarusians are registered in the EU. These businesses have created at least 25,800 jobs and contributed significantly to the EU's GDP (over €2 billion in Poland in 2023). These Belarusians remain loyal to Europe and democracy, integrate, work, and pay taxes. They need political representation. Supporting democratic infrastructure is not just an act of solidarity — it is recognition of their political identity and their right to support. We are already part of European society. The Lukashenko regime is waging war against Ukraine, Europe, and democratic Belarus Over the past three years, the regime has comprehensively prepared for war — legally, militarily, financially, and informationally. It is deliberately destroying alternative institutions to deprive the people of leadership and the ability to resist in the event of war. The United Transitional Cabinet, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Coordination Council, and civil society structures are all under attack: Massive discreditation campaigns; In-absentia criminal prosecutions, confiscation of property, persecution of families; Thousands of extraterritorial crimes by the KGB, military intelligence, and Ministry of Internal Affairs. Our struggle is not a stroll down the Champs-Élysées. Lukashenko is waging war against us. And we need allies. Support for democratic forces — a strategic investment in Europe’s security We are grateful for the assistance. Supporting democratic forces is not a humanitarian gesture but a strategic investment in Europe’s security. It is an investment in preventing future crises — and it is cheaper than dealing with the consequences of Belarus being used as a platform for war against the EU. The first line of Europe’s defense is Belarusian society. Supporting the society and democratic forces means: Preventing future crises rather than reacting to existing catastrophes; Creating an ally in the region that will stand with Europe, not against it. Without such support, there will be no alternative to the regime, which could lead to a power vacuum and its occupation by pro-Russian forces after Lukashenko’s inevitable fall. Belarus is part of Europe, and its future is being decided now. By helping Belarusians as Europeans, the EU helps preserve democracy, sovereignty, and independence in Belarus — and peace on Europe’s borders. A reduction in support would signal that values only matter until they become politically inconvenient and would aid the regime in its aggressive plans. Without international support, the world could lose Belarus as part of the free world for decades. Change may not come tomorrow, but it is already essential for Europe to have a reliable, constructive, and pro-European partner. And it is crucial not to leave Belarusians alone with dictatorship and the Kremlin, but to preserve, support, and strengthen the democratic alternative we have managed to build. Strategic proposals It is vital to adopt a strategy on Belarus for the first time in the form of a joint declaration by EU institutions and the democratic forces of Belarus, affirming our partnership and mutual support. This should be done through an international political conference organized in Brussels at the European Parliament by the end of 2025. The final document of the conference must formally establish EU support for democratic institutions. It is crucial to send a strategic signal to the dictator and clearly define who represents Belarus and who Europe’s partner is. Consider launching a special program to improve the EU’s image among the Belarusian population. Support for Belarusian democratic forces is a contribution to Europe’s security. We are on the front line of the fight for democracy — against Lukashenko’s dictatorship, propaganda, disinformation, sanctions evasion, and for justice. We are under constant attack. We fight because without a free and democratic Belarus, there can be no safe Europe. We are not petitioners — we are rightful representatives of European society. Our national interests align with European interests. We are a European nation and have the right to political representation that defends shared European interests and values. Support for Belarusian democratic forces is not charity — it is an investment in the future of Belarus, its relations with Europe, in democracy, and in Europe’s security. It is especially important to invest now, when that future and our collective security are under tremendous threat.

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. Pavel Latushka on the Dictator's Desire to Erect a Monument to the Chinese Leader Amidst His Stance on Monuments to Belarusian Figures The dictator has his own position on the issue of monuments. He believes that erecting monuments means creating a problem in the future, that someone else will come to power and tear them down. Lukashenko does not understand the essence of national culture and its connection to history, the significance of these spheres for state-building. And, probably, he will never be able to understand this. After all, he is not Belarusian. I recall how, during my time as Minister of Culture, I sought to open an entire gallery of monumental art in Hlybokaye. At that time, it was also planned to hold Belarusian Written Language Days in this city in the Vitebsk region. During an organizing committee meeting held in the Council of Ministers, I had a conversation with the Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, who said that we had no money for installing monuments. To which I replied: you don't have money for this, but the Ministry of Culture does. And I allocated funds for this project from the ministry's budget. What kind of monuments were these? Among them were busts of the artist and sculptor Yazep Drazdovich, the theater figure and founder of the first Belarusian professional theater Ihnat Buyinitsky, the public and political figure, Prime Minister of the Belarusian People's Republic Vaclau Lastouski, the statesman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Juzef Korsak, the creator of modern Hebrew Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, and others. At that time, many important projects for opening monuments to our famous figures were implemented. During my tenure as minister, the most significant for me were the monument to Uladzimir Karatkevich in Kyiv, the memorial plaque to Frantsishak Bahushevich and the restoration of the plaque in honor of Yanka Kupala in Vilnius, and the monument to Stanislau Manyushka in Cherven.

Following the publication of a comment by a BELPOL representative regarding the disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikova, as reported by Zerkalo, we reached out to the publication requesting that it publish the position of the National Anti-Crisis Management. Our position was published in an abridged form. We believe it is important to share the full version: "We highly value the effectiveness and dedication of such an important initiative for the Belarusian democratic movement as BELPOL. In all of our bilateral meetings with partners and in public communications — including with foreign media — we have repeatedly emphasized that this initiative makes a significant contribution to our shared goal: changing the situation in Belarus. At the same time, we are disappointed by the statements made by one of BELPOL's representatives, who claimed that those who brought Anzhelika Melnikova should have vetted her. In response to this claim, we would like to clarify that Anzhelika Melnikova was vetted by the Cyber Partisans initiative, where she served as chairperson of the foundation. Additionally, at our own initiative, she underwent a background check conducted by BYPOL — the very organization from which BELPOL later emerged. Anzhelika Melnikova also underwent a polygraph test, organized by BYPOL. When obtaining Polish citizenship, she was subject to mandatory checks by the Internal Security Agency, Intelligence Agency, Border Guard, Counterintelligence Agency, and Ministry of the Interior of Poland. Given all of the above, what additional vetting was the NAM team supposed to conduct? We would also like to remind everyone that NAM, like all of our democratic initiatives, is a civilian — not a military — organization. We hope that Mr. Vladimir Zhigar's comment reflects his personal opinion. We remain committed to constructive cooperation and the positive working relationship we have established with BELPOL in pursuit of our shared goal. We call on all our friends and partners: it is essential to stop speculation around a matter so sensitive for all of us. Let us allow the Polish security services to carry out their investigation within the framework of the criminal case concerning the ‘unlawful deprivation of liberty of Anzhelika Melnikova’ and draw the necessary conclusions. Sincerely, Press Office of the National Anti-Crisis Management".

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. In 2022, McDonald’s announced it would cease operations in Belarus due to serious complications stemming from Russia’s war against Ukraine — a war in which Lukashenko backed Moscow by allowing Belarusian territory to be used for attacks. This decision came shortly after the company exited Russia in May 2022, where its business was sold to a local entrepreneur and rebranded as "Vkusno i Tochka". So what did Lukashenko do with McDonald’s? He declared, "This is now our enterprise", and said that Belarusian companies should fill the gap left by McDonald’s. In April 2023, the restaurants were rebranded as Mak.by , a name that preserved the brand’s recognizability. Mak.by is operated by KSB Victory Restaurants , which retained access to McDonald’s recipes and sources its ingredients from within Belarus. However, by September 2023, a lawsuit was filed in the Economic Court of the Minsk Region, and in January 2024, the case was transferred to the Supreme Court. The lawsuit was brought by the State Property Committee of Belarus against   KSB Victory Restaurants Pte. Ltd. , a Singapore-based company, and its Belarusian subsidiary managing the former McDonald’s outlets. The aim of the lawsuit: to shut down the company and confiscate its assets in favor of the state. The basis for this legal action was a newly adopted law allowing the seizure of property from foreign companies and nationals for so-called "unfriendly actions against Belarus". In January 2024, Lukashenko announced that the restaurant network had been transferred to the state and then sold to a private investor — "a reliable Belarusian guy". Information about the new owner(s) of the Mak.by fast food chain was classified, and their details were removed from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities and Individual Entrepreneurs. In Belarus, hundreds of entrepreneurs have faced prison, interrogations, and asset seizures. Many were only released after transferring millions to accounts linked to the regime. This isn’t an exception — it’s a systematic approach. As far back as 2014, representatives of the security forces openly spoke of the goal to "squeeze a billion dollars out of business". Since then, pressure has only intensified: widespread inspections, punitive fines, and criminal charges against businesspeople accused of "extremism" or "aiding opposition financing". Lukashenko doesn’t even need to hide behind "national interests" — his apparatus simply seizes businesses whenever it sees fit. As long as Lukashenko remains in power, Belarus will continue to be a zone of risk, instability, and economic disaster. His path is not one of modernization, but one of deliberate isolation and self-destruction.

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. How the Regime Harms Belarusians While Profiting from Its Own Sanctions State propaganda often repeats the narrative: "It’s all because of Western sanctions", or "The West is strangling Belarus". But the truth is that the main economic and social blows to the population are not caused by external sanctions, but by the regime’s own response — its counter-sanctions. EU sanctions primarily target specific officials, security forces, and enterprises involved in repression, military aggression, and human rights violations. But under the guise of "responding to the West", the regime strikes at its own citizens. Back in 2021, Belarus imported fresh or chilled potatoes worth $12 million USD, including from Ukraine, Germany, and the Netherlands. But in 2022, Lukashenko ordered a ban on the import of various agricultural products from the EU — including potatoes and onions. The justification: "retaliatory measures". In reality: a deliberate disruption of logistics, rising prices, and empty shelves. Lukashenko’s counter-sanctions are not about protecting the economy; they are about self-isolation — which hits the poorest the hardest. This decision had no economic logic. It was driven by political motives: "If you sanction us, we’ll strike back". But who suffered as a result? Not the officials in Brussels, nor the politicians in Berlin, Warsaw, or Vilnius. The people who suffered were Belarusians. In the spring of 2025, without admitting any mistakes, the regime lifted the ban on importing potatoes, onions, as well as cabbage and apples. Why? Because it became impossible to hide the failure — there was simply nothing left to sell. Even regime-loyal agricultural managers started sounding the alarm as supply chains collapsed. Prices hit every layer of society, and public outrage grew: how could potatoes become a luxury in Belarus? This is a forced retreat in the face of reality — a reality that can no longer be painted over with slogans. It’s an acknowledgment of the total failure of the counter-sanctions policy, a recognition of defeat. But, as always, it came with no apologies and no reflection on past mistakes.

Building of the Polish MFA. Photo: jewishnews.com.ua During the meeting at the Polish MFA, the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka , presented information about the activities of the UTC and the NAM regarding holding Lukashenko and his accomplices accountable for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people, as well as prospects for further advancing this issue within the structures of the International Criminal Court. The meeting, held on May 27 at the Polish MFA, was attended by Adam Hałaciński , Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland for Cooperation with Belarusian Democratic Forces; representatives and heads of the Consular Department, the Treaty and Legal Department, the Development Department of the Polish MFA, and the Office for Foreigners of Poland. Issues discussed included the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus and their indoctrination; Lithuania’s submission of a claim against Belarus to the International Court of Justice regarding violations of international obligations in connection with the organization of illegal migrant transfers across the common border. A representative of the Treaty and Legal Department of the Polish MFA noted that the Polish side shares the arguments used by Lithuania in its appeal to the International Court of Justice . The Polish side is analyzing the situation with the aim of making possible decisions on legal actions within the judicial sphere. Pavel Latushka thanked the Polish side for their support on issues of legalization for Belarusians forced to leave Belarus.  At the same time, he presented a number of problematic issues related to the status of Belarusians in Poland, including: applying individual consideration of Belarusian citizens’ requests concerning family reunification and non-application of the Dublin Regulation provisions in order to ensure the possibility of family reunification and subsequent residence in Poland; opening bank accounts in Polish banks for former political prisoners who have come to Poland; replacement and issuance of driver’s licenses to Belarusian citizens; pension provision for Belarusian citizens residing in Poland; assistance to Belarusians located in Georgia in obtaining visas for entry into Poland; and others. The Polish MFA assured its readiness to send an appeal to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority requesting to regulate the situation related to opening bank accounts for former political prisoners. A representative of the Office for Foreigners of Poland promised to review the submitted materials concerning specific Belarusians in the context of the non-application of the Dublin Regulation provisions when considering the issue of granting residence rights in Poland. Regarding the situation of Belarusians in Georgia, a representative of the Consular Department of the Polish MFA expressed readiness to consider requests from Belarusians with specific problematic issues on an individual basis. Pavel Latushka informed about an agreement with the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy of Poland concerning the organization of a meeting in Warsaw with Belarusians residing in Poland. It is planned that during the meeting representatives of the Ministry and the Pension Office will explain the procedure for obtaining pensions in Poland . An informational brochure in Belarusian with explanations of Polish pension legislation is also planned to be issued. Pavel Latushka stressed the importance of continuing support for independent Belarusian media, human rights organizations, and cultural initiatives, especially in light of the cessation of financial aid from the United States. The Polish side confirmed its readiness to continue and increase support for Belarusian NGOs, civil initiatives, and civil society structures operating in Poland. Relevant decisions are expected to be announced in the near future. The meeting was attended by the speaker of the Coordination Council, Artsiom Brukhan , who presented information about the elections of the speaker and deputy speaker of the Coordination Council as well as plans for further activities of the representative body of Belarusian democratic forces.