Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską In light of the ongoing mass political persecution by the Lukashenko regime, particularly targeting Belarusians abroad who participate in legal demonstrations in EU countries , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka  appealed to Member of the European Parliament Michał Kobosko  — Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Belarus — with a request for a possible response from the European representative body to the cross-border crimes committed by the Lukashenko regime. MEP Michał Kobosko initiated the adoption of an urgent resolution by the European Parliament concerning the immediate risk of further repressions by the Lukashenko regime in Belarus — namely, threats coming from the Investigative Committee . "During the march on March 23, 2025 in Warsaw and in the days that followed, Belarusians who took part in demonstrations abroad approached me with a request to draw the attention of European politicians to the crimes being committed by the Lukashenko regime against Belarusians living in EU countries: criminal cases, trials in absentia (so-called 'special proceedings'), blackmail, threats, persecution of relatives in Belarus by the regime's security services, property confiscation and more". "In response to these crimes, NAM also launched an information campaign to raise awareness among Western media and politicians about the regime’s cross-border crimes". "It is important to note that as a result, concrete proposals prepared by NAM were included in the final draft of the resolution. These also reflect the voices of Belarusians who reached out to us after facing persecution by the Lukashenko regime. This is a good example of a swift reaction by the EU's representative body to an unprecedented situation" , noted Pavel Latushka. In its resolution, the European Parliament "considers the persecution of Belarusian citizens for their peaceful democratic activities abroad through 'special proceedings' by the Investigative Committee as a direct violation of the territorial sovereignty of EU Member States"  and "calls for pan-European legal support and protection for Belarusians in exile" , including those who cannot renew their identity documents and are subjected to extraterritorial persecution. The European Parliament also "calls on the International Criminal Court to expedite proceedings concerning crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenko regime" . In addition, the document contains a call to impose  "additional sanctions similar to those applied to Russia, particularly against officials responsible for transnational repression" . The European Parliament also insists on the need to strengthen "political, financial and technical support for independent media, human rights defenders and civil society initiatives". "I am grateful to the Members of the European Parliament and personally to MEP Michał Kobosko for their principled stance and concrete action in response to the new repressions of the Lukashenko regime. This is a message to the dictator: crimes against Belarusians abroad will not go unpunished. It is necessary to increase pressure, expand sanctions and push for concrete measures to stop the terror against Belarusians both inside Belarus and beyond its borders" , stated Pavel Latushka.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską "Kopeć & Zaborowski" Source: legalbusiness.pl The use of both international and national legal instruments to bring to justice representatives of the Lukashenko regime responsible for crimes against Belarusians was discussed by Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka  during a meeting at the law firm "Kopeć & Zaborowski"  (Warsaw, Poland). During the meeting, issues related to supporting the investigation conducted by Polish law enforcement agencies into crimes committed against Belarusian citizens in 2020 and in the following years on the territory of Belarus were discussed. The National Anti-Crisis Management, under a cooperation agreement with the law firm "Kopeć & Zaborowski", based on a request from NAM, maintains regular communication and provides support in the investigation of the aforementioned cases . Currently, the law firm is handling cases of at least 15 Belarusians who suffered from torture carried out on the territory of Belarus. It is important to note that the law firm provides this legal support to the NAM team and Belarusian citizens on a pro bono   basis . Investigative actions concerning the facts of torture committed against Belarusians are being carried out by the Polish Internal Security Agency under the supervision of the National Prosecutor’s Office of Poland. Reference:  Thanks in part to the active position of the National Anti-Crisis Management, aimed at using national mechanisms to bring to justice those responsible for the torture of Belarusians, the Polish Prosecutor’s Office has already issued six arrest warrants for regime representatives — including the heads of the detention center on Okrestina, the detention center in Zhodino, and four leaders of units within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The basis for this was criminal prosecution for acts of torture committed on the territory of Belarus against citizens of Poland. The NAM team requests assistance in covering the minimum organizational, transport, and logistical expenses for the lawyers of "Kopeć & Zaborowski" in the event of their travel to provide legal defense for the interests of Belarusian citizens outside of Warsaw. The target amount is 5,000 zlotys. We will be grateful for any donation amount.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską 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 While the regime talks about brotherhood with China and alliance with Russia, the country is losing Belarusians, industry, markets, and sovereignty. In Lukashenko’s inner circle, there is growing murmuring that China has become not a salvation, but a threat to Belarusian industry. MAZ, MTZ, "Gomselmash" — everything that for decades was considered the backbone of a sovereign economy is now rapidly losing the competitive battle in its main export direction — Russia. Sales of Belarusian machinery in the Russian Federation have significantly decreased. The exception is equipment purchased for the Russian army — often through political agreements, for lack of other options, and not because of quality or market demand. While Lukashenko publicly speaks about the "great Chinese partnership" and the "allied duty of Russia", the real economic processes show the opposite: Russia is buying equipment more out of politeness than necessity and is increasingly shifting to domestic or Chinese production. China has not only filled the heavy machinery market in Russia but is also ready to swallow the Belarusian market. That is why even Lukashenko’s entourage is gradually seeing the light and is forced to admit: Belarus cannot compete with Chinese industry, and accordingly, will continue to lose its already scarce sales markets, which in turn will lead to a decline in industrial production, and along with it, the collapse of power. Economists, independent analysts, and even part of the regime-loyal officials agree: if Belarus loses its industrial base, it will lose everything. Because industry accounts for 25–30% of GDP, tens of thousands of jobs, exports, foreign currency earnings, and taxes. Already now, the country is buying more than it sells and is covering the difference with new loans. Lukashenko bears direct personal responsibility for the systemic collapse of Belarus's industrial and export potential. Since the beginning of his rule, he has consistently blocked any reforms and attempts at economic modernization, stifling development even in sectors where the country had a foundation. For two decades, independent economists, managers, and international consultants have proposed reforms: privatization with transparent mechanisms, the creation of free competition, reducing the state’s share in the economy, tax reform, cost reduction, and technological renewal. Lukashenko called all these proposals a "collapse of the country", "betrayal", "imposition of capitalism", and labeled their authors as "enemies of the people".

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską 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 much has the cost of public transportation and gasoline increased in Belarus in recent years? In early April 2025, two news stories emerged that directly affect the wallet of every Belarusian. The so-called authorities announced price increases for gasoline and public transportation. The fare increase affected several cities: Minsk, Grodno, and Brest. In Minsk, for example, the cost of a ticket for the bus, trolleybus, tram, and electric bus will increase by 10 kopecks — a single ride will now cost 95 kopecks, and if buying a ticket from the driver, it will cost 1 ruble. A metro token will also cost 1 ruble. Many might say: these are insignificant amounts. However, such "hardly noticeable" increases are part of an overall strategy, the essence of which is gradual and almost imperceptible price hikes. This policy allows avoiding resonance and widespread dissatisfaction, but its consequences become obvious in the long term. To better understand the scale, let’s look at the history of fare prices in Minsk over the past 15 years. In 2010, the cost of a single ride in public transport was 600 non-denominated rubles, which is equivalent to 6 kopecks after the denomination in 2016. In 2015, the fare increased to 4,500 rubles (45 kopecks in the new currency). By 2020, a single ride already cost 75 kopecks. And now, in 2025, it’s 95 kopecks. Thus, over 15 years, the cost of a ride has increased from 6 to 95 kopecks — more than 15 times. In percentage terms,  the increase was nearly 1500% . If we look further back in history and take the year 2000 as a baseline, the fare price in the capital has increased 35 times . During Lukashenko's time in power, prices have risen tens of times — and this is far from just transportation. The question that arises for any reasonable person is: has the real wealth of Belarusians increased during this time? Has the average salary of a Belarusian increased 15 times? The answer is obvious. Yes, nominal salaries have indeed increased, but in the context of constant inflation and devaluation, this has not led to a real increase in purchasing power. Moreover, even the average pension in Poland today exceeds the average salary in Belarus, and in Poland itself, there are additional social payments such as the 13th pension. For comparison: in Luxembourg, public transportation has been free for everyone since 2020. In Poland, several cities have also introduced free public transport — such examples exist in Elbląg, Gliwice, and Kołobrzeg. And in Warsaw, despite the higher cost of a single ride, when purchasing a travel pass with a tax benefit, the fare may be lower than in Minsk. Alongside the increase in public transport fares, the price of gasoline in Belarus is also rising. Despite loud statements by Lukashenko that "there will be no price hikes," gasoline prices have already been raised four times since the beginning of 2025. The retail price of one liter of AI-95 gasoline is now 2 rubles 52 kopecks. For comparison, in 2010, a liter of the same gasoline cost 2,840 non-denominated rubles — about 28 kopecks. The increase over 15 years has been around 800% . Such gradual, but steady price hikes are not a coincidence. This is the result of the economic policy of Lukashenko's regime, based on populism, lack of reforms, and international isolation. Rising costs, falling incomes, inefficient management, and ignoring the needs of citizens have led to economic stagnation. Belarusians are forced to pay more — for public transport, fuel, food, and utilities. And yet their incomes are not growing at a comparable pace. Economic problems cannot be explained by external factors alone — they are the consequence of systemic internal mistakes and the absence of a clear development strategy. The future economic recovery is only possible with a change of regime, with reforms, and the return of the country to a democratic and sustainable development path. And that moment will surely come. Long live Belarus!

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską  with the parliamentary group "For a Free Belarus"  in the Polish Sejm, an important document — a resolution on the presidential elections in Belarus — was adopted today by an overwhelming majority (431 out of 433 votes). The initiator of this resolution was the parliamentary group "For a Free Belarus". The document reflects Poland's desire to support the people of Belarus in our struggle for freedom and democracy. The session of the Sejm was attended by Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, member of the Coordination Council (CC) Pavel Latushka , as well as the Deputy Representative of the UTC for power transition and member of the CC Artsiom Brukhan , along with other members of the Coordination Council. The adopted resolution emphasizes that the results of the so-called elections " do not meet international democratic standards", and their results cannot be considered a reliable reflection of the political will of the Belarusian people" . The deputies of the Sejm addressed the Polish government with a call to take further steps in support of Belarusian society  and expressed their support for the active application of international sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations and the suppression of freedom in Belarus. The Sejm condemned the ongoing repression in our country, aimed at opposition representatives, independent journalists, and civil society organizations. One of the key points of the resolution was the Sejm's recognition of  "a free and sovereign Belarus as one of the key pillars of stability and security in the region" . Polish deputies expressed their support for the activities of the Belarusian democratic forces in exile, who continue to fight for the establishment of a free and democratic Belarus within the European family. "It is important to understand that this is a political decision of the parliament of a neighboring country. It is a clear signal to Lukashenko and his regime that Poland takes a principled stance in supporting democratic change in Belarus, opposing election falsification, and opposing repression" , said Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, member of the Coordination Council, and leader of the "Latushka Team and 'For Freedom' Movement" faction, Pavel Latushka . Pavel Latushka and the representatives of the democratic forces of Belarus were welcomed by the Polish Parliament with a standing ovation.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską International Criminal Court. Photo: Remko de Waal / ANP / picture alliance From October 2024 to February 2025, the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) collected, systematized, and submitted evidence of crimes against humanity committed by representatives of Lukashenko's regime to a group of human rights organizations for the preparation of an appeal to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This evidence includes hundreds of documented public statements by regime representatives, information on the number of refugees (including data from Poland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs), and other necessary materials. On March 20, 2025, a group of six Belarusian and international civil society organizations — including the Center for Global Justice and Human Rights "M.A.R.A.", the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Human Rights Center "Viasna", the International Committee for the Investigation of Torture in Belarus, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, and Human Constanta — submitted evidence of possible crimes against humanity committed by Belarusian authorities to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC. The submission of information to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office was carried out in accordance with Article 15 of the Rome Statute and considering the initiation of the preliminary examination of the Belarusian situation by the Prosecutor’s Office. It is worth noting that the preliminary examination at the ICC was initiated following the submission of the Belarusian case by the Government of Lithuania on September 30, 2024. Within this case, crimes against humanity allegedly committed by representatives of Lukashenko's regime are being investigated, including those committed outside Belarus and within the territories of Rome Statute member states. In particular, deportation and persecution are considered crimes against humanity. The potential victims of deportation include all civilians who were forced to leave Belarus due to an atmosphere of fear, terror, and persecution and had no genuine choice to remain in the country. The victims of transnational persecution are individuals who have been severely deprived of their fundamental rights, such as the right to a fair trial, dignity, security, property, access to public services, freedom of assembly and association, and citizenship. Potential victims of this crime include individuals subjected to the so-called "special proceedings" as well as those who have been effectively denied access to notarial services and the renewal of Belarusian passports. "The National Anti-Crisis Management will continue collecting evidence to facilitate the transition to a full-fledged investigation of the Belarusian situation by the ICC Prosecutor’s Office. We will do everything in our power to ensure accountability for crimes committed against the Belarusian people" , emphasized NAM head   Pavel Latushka .

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską Yury Hubarevich,  coordinator of the "Personnel Reserve for New Belarus" campaign The Office of the Ombudsman in Poland is calling for amendments to the draft law that limits the use of certificates from police schools as proof of Polish language proficiency when applying for citizenship or EU resident status. This initiative emerged following numerous appeals, including from participants of the "Personnel Reserve" who studied in Polish police schools. A petition signed by 90 individuals calls for a revision of the deadlines for foreign students who have already invested significant resources in their education. According to the draft law, certificates from police schools obtained before June 30, 2025, will be recognized as proof of Polish language proficiency only until June 30, 2026. This has raised concerns among students who may not have enough time to use their certificates for obtaining citizenship or EU resident status. The Ombudsman has proposed changing the transitional provisions so that foreigners who started studying in police schools before 2025 can continue to use their certificates as proof of Polish language proficiency. Yury Hubarevich , coordinator of the "Personnel Reserve for New Belarus" campaign, stated: "The Ombudsman's initiative and the response to the appeals, including from participants of the 'Personnel Reserve,' demonstrate the activity of the Belarusian community in Poland, which strives for fair conditions for integration and legalization of their status in the country" .

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską 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. On which dictatorial regimes Lukashenko collaborates with around the world While Lukashenko talks about "stability," and his propagandists praise him as a "people’s leader", in reality, a grim world map is being created where the threads of shadowy deals stretch from Minsk to Tehran, Pyongyang, Caracas, and even the jungles of Myanmar. At the center of this web is Lukashenko, who has turned Belarus into a transit hub for dictators and terrorists. While Belarusian potash fertilizers are being loaded at the ports of Makhachkala for Iran or sent by train to China via Russia, Lukashenko's regime is not just trying to adapt to sanctions but is actively helping the Kremlin and its allies sow chaos across the world. From dump trucks for North Korea and trucks for Zimbabwe to weapons for Myanmar’s junta and missiles in Cuba — Lukashenko is not just playing on the same team with Russia, he has become part of the global "axis of evil". Despite new logistics routes and open support from the Kremlin, Belarusian Potash Company (Belaruskali) is facing mounting problems. Last year, the production and delivery costs for Russia's "Uralkali" increased by 30%. This was mainly due to rising logistics costs. It can be confidently stated that the costs due to similar factors are significantly increasing for Belaruskali as well. However, instead of making concessions and changing its policy to achieve a suspension of sanctions, Lukashenko's regime has entered into a cartel conspiracy with Russia. On November 4, 2024, Lukashenko proposed to coordinate with Russia to reduce potash production by 10%, complaining about too low prices, which were causing Belaruskali to sell potash below its production costs. As a result, in January 2025, it became known that Belaruskali plans to cut its potash production by about 1 million tons in the first half of 2025. Annually, the reduction may reach 2 million tons, almost a fifth of Belarus’s total potash production. In February 2025, Uralkali also announced that production in the second quarter would be reduced by at least 300 thousand tons, and exports would be cut by 400 thousand tons. In the potash industry, Lukashenko is not competing with Russia but is acting alongside it, just as he does in the military sphere. And the easing of sanctions on potash would benefit both Lukashenko and his Kremlin friends, who are helping him in every possible way. It is important to remember that Lukashenko's regime is part of the global "axis of evil" — a network of other dictatorial and terrorist regimes that threaten international security, spread discord, repression, wars, and conflicts around the world. And he does this with the proceeds from the same potash and other natural resources of Belarus, which should belong to the people, not to the organized criminal group headed by Lukashenko.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską In the final Protocol, among other points, the following results and agreements were noted: Legalization of children born in Poland. The Polish side confirmed the possibility of submitting applications for the legalization of the stay of children and individual consideration of such cases. They also requested that information be sent to the Office if there are issues in contacting the voivodeship authorities regarding the legalization of the stay of such children, so that, if necessary, such requests can be promptly addressed. Recognition of the Polish travel document for foreigners as a document confirming identity. The Belarusian side informed about difficulties, for example, when it comes to employment, providing banking services, and carrying out other formalities. The Polish representatives noted that the problems with the recognition of such documents in banks and other institutions were mainly due to a lack of information. The Office for Foreigners will contact the Ministry of the Interior and Administration and the Financial Supervision Commission regarding the recognition by the relevant institutions of the foreigner’s temporary identity document, Belarusian passport with a humanitarian visa, and travel document as identification documents for confirming the identity of the applicants. Issuance of a travel document for foreigners for more than 1 year and the possibility to apply for it 6 months before the passport expires. The possibility of introducing such changes will be considered during the next amendment to the law on foreigners. Issuance of a travel document when there are no free pages in the passport. The Office for Foreigners will consider this issue and, if necessary, inform the voivodeship authorities about possible solutions. Right to work while awaiting a decision on the provision of international protection. The Polish side informed that for individuals who had this right before applying for protection (e.g., under a humanitarian visa), this issue will be reviewed during the next amendment to the legislation. Entrepreneurship. The proposals from the Belarusian side regarding the permission to engage in business for certain categories of foreigners have been forwarded to the Ministry of Development and Technology. Non-disclosure of information to Belarusian authorities regarding Belarusians obtaining international protection status. The Office for Foreigners noted that when Polish authorities send any requests regarding a Belarusian citizen to Belarusian bodies and institutions, it is unacceptable to disclose that the individual has received international protection in Poland. The Polish representatives requested to be informed about such cases. "We will continue working with the Office for Foreigners and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland to find solutions to the problematic issues of legalizing the stay of Belarusians in Poland. It is important to note that the Polish authorities have committed to reviewing and analyzing several of our proposals, as well as sending requests to the relevant ministries and agencies",  said Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską 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. On the regime's attempts to militarize Belarusian children For Lukashenko, children are not the future of the nation, but a tool for survival, expendable resources, no matter how frightening that may sound. He doesn't care that militarization robs them of the chance for a normal life. The main thing is to stay in power, even if it means turning an entire generation into hostages of the regime. The usurper is ready to send our children anywhere and at any time to maintain his personal power. Lukashenko openly admitted this, for example, in a recent interview with blogger Naufal. In particular, he said that he was ready to send Belarusian soldiers to defend Putin from Prigozhin. He was willing to sacrifice the lives of thousands of young Belarusians in a potential conflict inside Russia, just to continue ruling peacefully. Why is the regime actively militarizing schoolchildren and engaging in military propaganda? The dictator needs loyal personnel — and the sooner they are prepared, the better. Children who are today holding guns at the "Open Doors Day" could tomorrow become soldiers or policemen, ready to defend the regime from their own people. Propaganda instead of a future: What are children losing? While schoolchildren listen to OMON officers talk about their "glorious service," their peers in other countries are learning programming, artificial intelligence, or ecology. In Belarus, however, education is increasingly becoming a tool of propaganda. Instead of developing critical thinking, children are instilled with blind loyalty to the regime. Textbooks are rewritten to reflect Lukashenko's ideology, and teachers who dare to disagree are put under pressure or thrown in jail. Militarization is not just handing out weapons. It's a signal: your future is not in freedom and creativity, but in serving the system. The regime is not interested in raising independent, thoughtful citizens who could one day challenge the government. It needs executors — those who will shoot on command, as the security forces did in 2020 when they dispersed peaceful protests. The children being taught to hold guns today are not just objects of upbringing; they are a resource that Lukashenko plans to use to preserve his throne. History provides examples of dictators using children to strengthen their power. In the Soviet Union, pioneers were part of the ideological machine, and in North Korea, children are taught from a young age to worship the Kims. Lukashenko is following the same path, adapting it to Belarusian realities. By handing out weapons to schoolchildren, the regime is not simply popularizing the police; it is preparing them for the role of future punishers who will protect Lukashenko from the people, including their own friends and neighbors. What will happen if this policy continues? Already, the country is losing its future. Thousands of families left Belarus after 2020, saving their children from repression and hopelessness. Those who stayed face a system where, instead of education, there is propaganda, and instead of opportunities, there is a uniform. Children with guns in their hands, enthusiastic stories from OMON officers, police vans as symbols of "Open Doors" — all of this screams about the horror that has become the norm.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską 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 Lukashenko's regime might introduce the Russian ruble in Belarus On March 10, Lukashenko gathered his close associates to shift the burden of power onto new shoulders. In front of the cameras, he called Roman Golovchenko, his former prime minister, "a man who has sat on the hot skillet for too long" and appointed him to head the National Bank. Alexander Turchin, an administrator from the Minsk region whose career is built on loyalty to the regime, replaced him as prime minister. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994, and over the three decades of his leadership, his style of governance has become predictable: keeping everyone in suspense, swapping loyal officials, and suppressing any signs of independence. The appointments made on March 10 are no exception. Roman Golovchenko became the head of the National Bank, while Alexander Turchin, previously leading the Minsk region, took the position of prime minister. Both are graduates of the Academy of Management under Lukashenko, both are economists by education, and both are products of a system where loyalty to Lukashenko is valued more than competence. Lukashenko himself emphasized this, stating that the new government has "many economists", and that Golovchenko "has learned more about the economy from life than anyone else". But behind these words lies not care for the country, but calculation: in the crisis situation, the dictator needs people who will follow his will, not look for a way out of the impasse. Lukashenko uses appointments as a tool of control and intimidation. By moving Golovchenko to the National Bank, he doesn't let him "rest," as he put it, but assigns him a new task: to bring the banking system under his interests. Turchin is tasked with "turning the economy upside down" — a phrase that means distorting meaning. This is not a slip of the tongue, but a symbol: Lukashenko is not looking for reforms; he wants to maintain the illusion of stability. For the other officials, this is a signal: no one is safe. The reshuffles remind them that their positions are shaky, and loyalty is the only ticket to survival. But this also creates hidden discontent: every new "economist" in the government is a potential competitor, and every order from Lukashenko is another nail in the coffin of their autonomy. The economy of Belarus in 2025 is a minefield: thousands of Belarusian specialists left the country in 2024, and this process continues, while inflation is accelerating, fueling the people's fatigue. Lukashenko is counting on new faces to pull his regime out of the abyss, but he doesn't realize that he is pushing the country into an even deeper deadlock, where there is almost no way out. At the same time, Russia has never abandoned its plan, at the final stage of integration, to switch Belarus to the Russian ruble, as outlined in the agreement on the formation of the so-called Union State. The share of national currencies in settlements between Belarus and Russia has already reached 98%. It is clear that settlements are primarily made in Russian rubles, not Belarusian ones. It is likely that Golovchenko and Turchin will be the ones to implement the Kremlin's dream of a common currency. Under pressure from Moscow and amid economic dependence on Russia, they will probably promote this project, despite the loss of Belarus's financial sovereignty.

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską 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. Lukashenko Lends to Russia While Belarus Drowns – Kallaur’s Resignation as a Symptom of Crisis On March 10, 2025, Lukashenko dismissed Pavel Kallaur, the head of the National Bank, who had held the position for over ten years. This decision shocked the country’s banking system. Why was a true professional fired during such a difficult time? One of the reasons for Kallaur’s dismissal was his disagreement with the policy of granting loans to Russian companies at the end of 2024. Not long ago, I addressed Pavel Kallaur with a suggestion to go to Lukashenko and propose disconnecting Belarusian banks from Russia’s Central Bank’s Financial Messaging System — Russia’s equivalent of SWIFT. But just days ago, Lukashenko fired Kallaur from his post. Let’s try to understand why Lukashenko dismissed Kallaur and what Belarusian loans to Russia have to do with it. Pavel Vladimirovich Kallaur Kallaur was one of the few officials in the regime who, apart from serving the dictator, tried to think about the interests of Belarus as a state. It is known that Russia, like Lukashenko’s regime, faced a series of European and American sanctions due to its actions, losing a significant portion of financial resources for developing primarily its military-industrial complex, which is critically important for continuing the war. The question arose of how to compensate for these losses. It is often said that Russia compensates Lukashenko’s regime for its losses from the imposed sanctions. Yes, that is true, but it’s not that simple. There is also a reverse process at play. So, let’s look at how Lukashenko’s regime compensates Russia for the losses it faces due to the war and sanctions. While Lukashenko demands that officials save every penny and Belarusian citizens work three or four jobs, he himself is squandering the country’s resources to support someone else’s war. At the end of 2024, Belarusian banks issued loans to Russian companies worth half a billion dollars. These aren’t just numbers — it’s a story about how the dictator is selling the future of his citizens to preserve his throne. This money could have gone to schools, hospitals, or roads in Belarus itself, but instead, it is supporting the Russian economy — a country that is waging war against Ukraine. Lukashenko’s regime, desperately clinging to power, is turning Belarus into a financial cushion for Moscow, sacrificing the well-being of the Belarusian people. And Kallaur apparently disagreed with this, which is why he paid the price. But why did Belarusian banks become a lifeline for Russia? A. Lukashenko and V. Putin The issue lies in the difference in interest rates: in Russia, the discount rate reached 21% in 2024, while in Belarus it remained at 9.5%. For Russian companies, which are suffocating under sanctions and high interest rates, Belarusian loans are a cheap loophole. In December 2024, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Belarusbank  and Belagroprombank  provided Russian enterprises with no less than $500 million. These banks, like the entire banking system, have long been fully subordinated to the interests of Lukashenko, who has been mocking the country for decades. After the 2020 protests and the start of the war in Ukraine, the West imposed strict sanctions on Lukashenko’s regime, cutting it off from European markets. By 2024, the country's economy continues to stagnate. Moscow uses Belarus as a workaround for sanctions, and now as a source of cheap financing. But while Lukashenko publicly demands that officials “find money and investment,” his personal actions say the opposite: he is handing out Belarusian resources, leaving his own country with empty pockets. Economy to Retain Power Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service states: “Belarusian banks are effectively financing the Russian economy, including the war against Ukraine.” These are not empty words. Half a billion dollars is a significant sum for Belarus’ banking system, whose resources have been depleted by sanctions and internal crises. In 2024, the National Bank of Belarus set the average loan rate for businesses at 8.5%, but access to these funds for local businesses sharply decreased. Why? Because priority is given to Russian borrowers, who bring political dividends to Lukashenko. This decision undermines the Belarusian economy on all fronts. Firstly, the outflow of money abroad leaves local businesses with no chance of development. Secondly, it contributes to slowing down economic growth and may also spur inflation: in 2024, food prices already significantly increased, and this trend accelerated in January-February 2025. Thirdly, it undermines the stability of Belarus’ banking system: if Russia does not repay its debts — a high risk given its own problems — Belarusian banks will be on the brink of crisis. Lukashenko, however, demonstrates stunning hypocrisy. He periodically scolds officials for “wasting money,” demanding they save the budget and attract investment. But issuing $500 million to Russia in December is not saving — it’s squandering resources for the Kremlin. His goal is clear: to strengthen the alliance with Moscow to maintain support without which his regime would collapse. However, this strategy condemns Belarus to be a donor, not a partner, draining the last of the country’s strength. Life of Belarusians Under Pressure Imagine an average Belarusian, who has a small business, such as a clothing store, barely staying afloat, and is denied a loan by a bank, citing “limited resources.” Meanwhile, Russian companies that received Belarusian loans continue production — including military equipment that is used to shell Ukrainian cities. For small business owners like him, this is not just an economic downturn — it’s the loss of hope for a normal life while Lukashenko gives their money away abroad. Lukashenko Against His People Lukashenko constantly sells the future of Belarus to save himself. By giving loans to Russian companies, he is not only supporting the war in Ukraine — he is condemning his country to poverty and backwardness. The half a billion dollars that left in December 2024 for Russia are stolen opportunities for Belarusian families, factories, and cities. While he demands that officials save every penny, he himself is squandering the country’s resources as if they mean nothing. His fear of losing power has turned Belarus into a hostage of the Kremlin, and its people into victims of a political game. Lukashenko continues to dance on the edge of the abyss, not noticing that he is dragging the entire country down with him. The only question is how long the people will continue to pay for his fear — and when they will decide that enough is enough. And that will surely happen.