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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. Lifting sanctions from the regime means potentially sponsoring Russian aggression The "lesser of two evils" dilemma in the context of sanctions does genuinely appear complex, and the emotions surrounding it are entirely understandable. At first glance, the logic of certain experts seems attractive: why give Russia (the aggressor state) millions of dollars in transit fees when Belarusian potash could be routed through the EU, with the proceeds going to support NATO's defense capability or even Ukraine? However, this view is fundamentally flawed, as it ignores reality. Drawing on facts and statistics, one can convincingly demonstrate that lifting sanctions on the transit of Belarusian fertilizers will benefit Russia incomparably more than the Kremlin's current revenues from transshipping Belarusian fertilizers through its own ports and moving them along Russian railways. 1. The Kremlin's logistics revenues are a drop in the ocean compared to the Lukashenko regime's military-industrial cooperation with Russia's defense sector Rogozhnik held talks with the leadership of Russian defense industry companies. Source: belta.by Russia earns approximately $570 million per year from the transit of Belarusian potash, and that money goes toward the war. This is true. But what is overlooked is where the billions of dollars from unimpeded fertilizer exports through EU ports would go. Those funds would go to the Lukashenko regime, whose economy is effectively the rear workshop of the Russian army. Depriving Moscow of $500 million in logistics revenue in order to hand Lukashenko billions to sponsor the Russian defense-industrial complex is not the lesser evil — it is a catastrophe. Facts and statistics: According to BELPOL, more than 500 Belarusian enterprises are integrated into the Russian military-industrial complex. Deputy Head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service Oleg Lugovsky states that more than 80% of Belarusian enterprises are currently fulfilling Russian state military orders. Belarusian factories — such as "Peleng," "AGAT," and others — use budget injections to produce fire control systems for Russian tanks, artillery shells, and navigation systems. Belarus even assembles "Geran" drones (the equivalent of the Shahed-136). The financial oxygen that the Lukashenko regime will receive from the resumption of transit through the EU will be immediately converted into weapons for Russia. Having lost $500 million in logistics, the Kremlin will gain billions in subsidies in the form of finished weaponry and components from Belarus. 2. The unified customs space turns Belarus into a "back door" for the Kremlin Illustrative photo Lifting sanctions from Belarusian companies — even partially, as occurred in 2025 with American sanctions — creates legal channels through which Moscow circumvents restrictions. Russia and Belarus form a unified customs space with no border controls. There is effectively no way to verify what is happening inside the Union State of Belarus and Russia. Any easing of measures against the Lukashenko regime is a ready-made channel for Moscow. If Belarusian potash begins flowing through Europe again, Lukashenko's structures — which have the closest ties with Russia — will gain legal access to Western financial flows and technologies. The real dependence of the Belarusian economy on Russia reaches nearly 90% (taking into account intermediate imports and infrastructure). Revenues from potash routed through the EU will simply strengthen an economy that works 90% in the interests of the aggressor state. 3. Market reorientation Illustrative photo The regime's lobbyists frequently speculate on the theme of famine in developing countries. However, lifting sanctions does not mean that cheap Belarusian fertilizers will miraculously save the Global South. According to data from the Polish Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), China's share of Belarusian potash fertilizer exports grew from 17% in 2021 to more than 70% in 2023. Lifting EU and US sanctions (as occurred in March 2026 following the release of political prisoners) simply facilitates transactions for buyers who previously avoided the associated risks. Lukashenko earns money by selling potash not so much to the poorest countries as to wealthy global players. He in turn directs the proceeds to support the part of the economy that, as we recall, serves as the rear for the Russian war machine. 4. The revival of industrial smuggling as a shadow source of war financing Smuggling on a train: cigarettes were found buried in a cargo of lime from Belarus. Source: delfi.lt Granting Belarusian fertilizers access to Baltic ports and increasing cargo turnover with the EU carries another threat — hidden, yet extremely advantageous for the regime: the large-scale revival of smuggling. Historically, it was precisely the rail trains carrying bulk cargo — primarily fertilizers — that served as the main channel through which record volumes of contraband cigarettes entered the EU. These were not artisanal quantities but industrial-scale operations, generating hundreds of millions of euros in unaccounted profits for the shadow sector. Sanctions and the closure of freight connections dealt a serious blow to these shadow schemes. Today, out of desperation, the regime has been reduced to absurdity: contraband is forced to be moved across the border using weather balloons. This is a vivid indicator of how effectively the traditional logistics channels have been cut off. If freight trains begin running to the EU again, a flow of contraband will return to Europe alongside legal potash. These super-profits bypass the official budget and settle in the pockets of structures close to Lukashenko. Smuggling is a powerful source of enrichment for the regime, which is also directly converted into support for Russian aggression and hybrid attacks on EU member states. Any concession to the Lukashenko regime — whether transit of fertilizers, access to financial markets, easing of aviation restrictions, or the opening of rail routes — is not always merely a "political compromise." It often turns out to be, regrettably, the pumping of money and technologies into the defense-industrial complex of the aggressor, and the provision of logistical chains that daily supply the Russian army with resources for waging aggressive war. In the politics of 2026, "economics" is merely an extension of the battlefield. Attempting today to separate "peaceful Belarusian potash" from "Lukashenko's aggressor defense-industrial complex" is like trying to separate the gunpowder from the bullet that is already flying toward its target. Continuing the analysis of lifting sanctions on Belarusian fertilizer transit from the perspective of EU national security — it is clearly visible that resuming transit worth billions of dollars is a strategic mistake, but the resumption of the physical presence of thousands of trains on European territory is an operational threat that is frequently underestimated. A. Lukashenko. Source: parlament.ua The world has already seen its "Trojan Horse." Allowing a "Trojan Wagon" into the EU today is categorically impermissible. Potash transit involves transportation on a colossal scale. We are talking about thousands of wagons and hundreds of trains every month. It is physically impossible to conduct a thorough inspection of every ton of granulated potash in every wagon without bringing the entire transport network to a halt. And this is not only about cigarette smuggling. It is an ideal environment for transporting prohibited cargo. Beneath a layer of fertilizer, electronic warfare systems, components for sabotage groups, or reconnaissance equipment could be moved. Modern sensors, disguised as components of railcars, are capable of reading parameters of critical EU infrastructure — bridges, tunnels, track conditions — in real time, transmitting data to the intelligence services of both the dictator Lukashenko and Russian intelligence. The railway routes from Belarus into the EU pass through strategically important NATO hubs. In the event of escalation, potash trains could be deliberately and deliberately brought to an emergency halt at specific points in Lithuanian or Polish infrastructure, blocking the transfer of NATO troops to the Baltic states. This is an instrument for the instantaneous paralysis of regional logistics. And lifting sanctions on Belarusian fertilizer transit will send the final signal that Europe is prepared to trade its security principles for short-term gain. Against the backdrop of statements about the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, any transport corridor becomes a humanitarian shield. The regime can declare that an attack on transport infrastructure — or even an attempt to detain a suspicious cargo — is a threat to the "Union State," to which it will respond with full force. Resuming transit without a change of regime in Belarus is not merely an economic decision. It is the voluntary opening of the fortress gates to the adversary's supply train. Any potash wagon may carry not only fertilizers, but also risks: hybrid attack, espionage, political destabilization. This is a matter of national security of the highest order. Giving Lukashenko money is bad. Giving him control over Europe's railways is catastrophic. Do you think our neighbors are aware of this threat of soft penetration through logistics, or does the lobby acting on behalf of those with an interest in economic contacts with the regime still exert too strong an influence over them?

Illustrative photo Why this matters and how your vote in the Coordination Council elections helps bring justice closer for Belarus Many people know about the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague through the lens of global events. But few thought that our country would ever come under the ICC's spotlight, and that the crimes of the Lukashenko regime — which had long gone unpunished — would become the subject of scrutiny by international prosecutors. Thanks to the systematic work of our team and our lawyers, the situation in Belarus has for the first time been officially brought before the Office of the Prosecutor in The Hague. This is not merely a "complaint" — it is the beginning of a serious legal process concerning crimes against humanity, one that leads to the issuance of arrest warrants for criminals. Why does this matter? The International Criminal Court is an institution that holds jurisdiction over individuals responsible for the most serious crimes, regardless of their official position. Once the mechanism is set in motion, it leads to the recognition of crimes at the global level. ICC rulings supersede local laws. No domestic decrees or "immunities" can halt an international investigation. The status of a president or minister offers no protection in The Hague. The inevitability of accountability. This sends a signal to all perpetrators of crimes: international justice may be slow, but it does not stop. Sooner or later, everyone will be held to account. A legal trap for criminals. The recognition of crimes renders the top echelons of the regime unwelcome in 124 countries that have ratified the Rome Statute — not only Europe, but also much of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. What does this have to do with the Coordination Council elections? Elections lend a different weight to our demands. When legal work is backed by a body with a popular mandate, it enables us to advance the Belarusian question and lobby for accountability for crimes against Belarusians at the highest political level — securing political support for our legal steps from European leaders. Our team is a key driving force behind this process. We are not merely waiting for justice — we are creating the conditions to make it inevitable. 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. For more on our achievements in the area of international criminal accountability of the Lukashenko regime, as well as other areas of our work, please see the recording of our press conference.

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. "Lies lead to crimes, and crimes concealed by lies by pseudo-leaders lead to catastrophes. This is exactly what happened in the times of the Soviet Union, when the leadership of the BSSR and the USSR lied to us about what had happened at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. And this led to numerous casualties," — stated Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Coordination Council, during his speech at the Chernobyl Way march "For an Independent Nuclear-Free Belarus", held on 26 April in Warsaw on the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl catastrophe. "Today, an organised criminal group led by Lukashenko is committing the greatest crime in the history of Europe in the 21st century against the European Belarusian people. They lie about their crimes and expand their scale. And at this time we have no right to allow lies to prevail. We must tell the truth about what is happening in our Belarus," — emphasised the Deputy Head of the Cabinet. Pavel Latushka at the "Chernobyl Way" rally in Warsaw on 26 April, on the 38th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. Source: pring96.org During his speech, Pavel Latushka recalled how, while serving as ambassador to France, he had proposed to the Lukashenko government that a French company oversee the construction of the Ostrovets nuclear power plant. This was proposed so that all international safety standards would be met during construction, but Lukashenko refused, opting for services from Russia. The result of that decision is that to this day we do not know how safe the Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant actually is. "Lukashenko did not stop there. In 2022, he initiated — having of course falsified it — an amendment to the Constitution, stripping our country of its nuclear-free and neutral status." Pavel Latushka noted that it was Lukashenko who, by implementing his anti-Belarusian policy, painted a nuclear target on the heads of Belarusian citizens. He sold Belarus's foreign and military policy to the Kremlin. Through his aggressive actions and rhetoric, he made Belarus a threat to European countries. "As long as this regime rules and implements its treacherous policy, we will be under the threat of destruction. We stand for restoring the nuclear-free status of our country to the Constitution of Belarus. For stopping support for the aggression against Ukraine and stopping the war against Europe — and for this we will fight: both the United Transitional Cabinet and, I hope, the re-elected Coordination Council," — stated Pavel Latushka.

The catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant 40 years ago demonstrated what the atom means in the hands of an authoritarian regime. Chernobyl became a symbol of irresponsibility and betrayal, a symbol of the threat and danger of the uncontrolled use of nuclear power for people. Today the Lukashenko regime continues the same irresponsible policy. Over the 32 years of his rule, benefits have been abolished, assistance programmes for victims have been terminated, and food is once again being grown on contaminated land. The regime is endangering the lives of millions of Belarusians by deploying Russian nuclear weapons on our territory and constructing the Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant without proper international oversight. Through a fraudulent referendum in 2022, the provision on Belarus's neutral and nuclear-free status was removed from the Constitution. The subsequent deployment of nuclear weapons on our territory has created a direct threat to the peace and independence of Belarus, making Belarus a target and endangering the lives of millions of people. Today we call for: The restoration of Belarus's nuclear-free status; An end to provocations and blackmail involving nuclear weapons; The withdrawal of Russian nuclear weapons from the territory of Belarus; Transparency in the operation of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant and unconditional compliance with international nuclear safety standards, including the norms of the International Atomic Energy Agency, taking into account substantiated international claims, including recorded procedural violations under the Espoo Convention; The initiation of broad public dialogue regarding the use of nuclear technologies in Belarus. Chernobyl reminds us: nuclear safety is impossible without transparency, accountability, and sovereignty. Belarus must not be a platform for Russian nuclear threats. 26.04.2026 United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus

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. Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet Pavel Latushka congratulated the Human Rights Centre "Viasna" on its 30th anniversary: "Thirty years of your work is a path of consistent and selfless defence of human rights and dignity in Belarus. All these years Viasna has remained an example of principled commitment, professionalism, and faithfulness to its values, despite the difficult circumstances in which you have to work. Illustrative photo. Source: pring96.org In recent years, Belarus has been living in the reality of systematic pressure on civil society: mass detentions, politically motivated persecution, restrictions on freedom of speech and association, pressure on human rights defenders, journalists, and lawyers. In these conditions, human rights work itself requires not only professionalism but also great personal courage. That is precisely why the significance of your work cannot be overstated. Viasna remains a source of support for people who have come under pressure, an important voice of truth, and a testament to the fact that the principles of human rights continue to live even in the most difficult circumstances."

Source: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Roessler Spring 2026 has become a moment of truth for the Lukashenko regime. While official statistics attempt to save face, external pressure is entering a new phase. The 20th EU sanctions package, adopted on 23 April, is yet another step toward eliminating the "Belarusian offshore" that for years helped the Kremlin circumvent Western barriers. Before analysing the new sanctions, it is worth examining the economic context in which Belarus and Russia already find themselves. Head of Swedish Military Intelligence Thomas Nilsson. Source: haqqin.az The head of Swedish military intelligence, Thomas Nilsson, stated directly in an interview with the Financial Times: the Kremlin is systematically manipulating figures. According to Swedish intelligence, Russia is understating its budget deficit by $30 billion. The official inflation rate of 5.86% is far below the real rate of 15%. Russia's economy is "living on credit" and is heading either toward a long-term decline or a sharp shock. For the Lukashenko regime, this is a warning signal: the "big brother," who is the main donor and market, is concealing the depth of its financial hole. If the Russian economy follows the "shock" scenario, the consequences for the Lukashenko regime will be avalanche-like. Data for the first quarter of 2026 paint a picture of a crisis economy in Belarus, where consumption is growing while production and investment are falling. Enormous warehouse stocks indicate that enterprises are operating at a loss to maintain employment, but their output finds no market. This is a "time bomb" for the financial stability of the system. Despite the efforts of lobbyists, the new EU sanctions package against the Lukashenko regime once again extended their validity until 28 February 2027. This is a signal that the "thaw" the Lukashenko regime had been counting on will not come. Investments will not arrive, borders will not open, assets will remain frozen. This encourages internal sabotage among those officials who still hoped to "wait it out.For the Kremlin, the value of Belarus as a "logistics hub" and "window to Europe and the world" is rapidly declining. If diamonds, computers, and spare parts can no longer be transported through Belarus, and its enterprises fall under sanctions alongside Russian ones, then it turns into a costly liability that simply needs to be maintained.This package, like several preceding ones, is aimed primarily at harmonising restrictions against the Lukashenko regime and Russia. The main goal is to make it impossible to use Belarus as a loophole for the Kremlin to circumvent sanctions. Harmonisation has affected a wide range of goods: bans have been imposed on certain types of raw materials, metals, minerals, steel scrap, chemicals, vulcanised rubber products, tanned furs, metal production tools, and industrial tractors, and import quotas on ammonia have been introduced. All these measures will be supplemented by tightened bans on transit through Russian territory. The list of goods prohibited from transit through Belarus has also been expanded. From 25 May of this year, the provision of cybersecurity services to Belarusian state bodies is prohibited. This is a blow to the technological development of the Lukashenko regime, which is building a "digital GULAG" in Belarus. The EU has also blocked the use of the "Belarusian digital ruble" before its official launch, planned for the second half of 2026. This system had not yet been fully launched but was considered a potential instrument for circumventing sanctions. This is a rare case where sanctions are directed not at an existing problem but at a future one. The regime is being deprived of the ability to create a new channel for circumventing restrictions before it even comes into existence. Any transactions through Belarusian crypto platforms have also been banned. These measures are aimed at preventing the regime from using digital payment systems to circumvent existing restrictions. This will significantly complicate settlements serving "shadow" operations to bypass sanctions. A strict traceability mechanism for trade in Russian diamonds has also been introduced. Importers in the EU must now prove that the stones are not of Russian origin. This measure closes the scheme of their resale through Belarus. As far back as 20 November 2023, the NAM had reported on the threat of circumventing sanctions against Russia's diamond industry via Belarus and had transmitted this data to the European Commission. A report on this matter was also published on 23 November 2023 in the major European outlet European Interest Media. In the new sanctions package, for the first time a Chinese state organisation has come under sanctions — one linked to the production of military equipment in Belarus through the joint venture "Volat-Sanziang". This is a clear signal from the European Union to Beijing: cooperation with Lukashenko in the military sphere is toxic and will have negative consequences. Thus, cooperation with the Belarusian military-industrial complex may have consequences not only for Russia but also for its partners. Overall, the toxicity of any projects linked to Belarus's military industry is sharply increasing, making them less attractive even for those who were previously willing to operate in the grey zone. Illustrative photo Also on the EU sanctions list is the Belarusian Oil Company (BOC), which strikes at one of the key sources of foreign currency revenue for the Lukashenko regime — petroleum products. Every operation for the company now becomes more difficult: banks are more cautious, partners demand additional guarantees, settlements take longer and cost more. As a result, the regime is forced to sell its products at greater discounts or through non-transparent schemes. In other words, exports partially remain but their efficiency declines. The European Union, in its new sanctions decisions, has moved toward radical measures against re-export through third countries. In particular, the export of computers and radio stations from the EU to Kyrgyzstan has been banned due to the risk of them ending up in Russia or Belarus. This is an unprecedented precedent: the EU is imposing trade sanctions against an entire country caught facilitating the circumvention of existing restrictions. The new package also introduces a measure whereby sanctions can now be imposed on individuals and legal entities from any country if they assist in supplying prohibited goods to Belarus. This changes the rules of the game. If previously partners could count on a certain distance — arguing that they were not directly under sanctions — that distance no longer exists. Every transaction becomes a potential risk. Foreign counterparties will also no longer be able to claim compensation for failure to fulfil contracts if this is caused by sanctions. In the 20th sanctions package against Russia, a ban on liquefied gas terminal transshipment services has been introduced, which will come into force in 2027, reducing the overall revenues of the aggressors. Furthermore, in the new anti-Russian sanctions, the broadcasting ban has been extended to "mirror" structures that duplicate the content of sanctioned channels. This may also affect Belarusian platforms if they are used to broadcast Russian content banned by the EU. This is yet another blow to the propaganda of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. The 20th package is the result of systematic lobbying. Measures on sanctions against third countries, trade quotas, and transit restrictions had been consistently proposed by the NAM for implementation in 2023–2025. The European Union had until recently refused to adopt such radical measures. But now this is already a reality. Thus, the European Union is not striking at individual enterprises or individual sectors. It is striking at the very model upon which the regime's adaptation to sanctions was built. This means fewer opportunities for manoeuvre, greater risks for partners, higher costs for every operation, and the gradual narrowing of space for economic activity. This is precisely why the effect of this package will not be immediate but cumulative. With each new restriction, the system does not collapse, but becomes ever more burdensome, costly, and dependent. And this is, perhaps, the main result. At least until February 2027, the Lukashenko regime will remain in a state of resource exhaustion. The growth of real household incomes against the backdrop of falling production looks like a "feast during the plague," which will inevitably end in the financial crisis that European intelligence services are warning about. The Lukashenko regime must stop playing at aggression and dictatorship and embark on the path of democratic transition — otherwise it may be too late.

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. Many have heard the abbreviation PACE, including in the context of the official delegation of the Coordination Council now working there. But what actually stands behind these four letters and why does it matter so much to all of us? The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is one of the continent's largest political platforms, uniting parliamentarians from 46 states. It is a body that shapes the European legal framework and adopts the most important political resolutions. These documents set the direction and serve as the legal basis for decisions made by European governments concerning our region. To get into PACE, Belarus has travelled a very long road. Performance of the "Free Choir" at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Strasbourg, France. 20 June 2023. Photo: tsikhanouskaya.org This is so because Belarus had no full-fledged representation in PACE for decades. In January 1997, PACE stripped Belarus of its "specially invited" status as a country that had deviated from the path of democracy. The reason was that in 1996, Lukashenko held an unconstitutional referendum, through which he concentrated power in his own hands and dissolved the legitimately elected parliament — the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation. From that moment on, our country's seat there was either empty or attempts were made — unsuccessfully — to fill it with regime appointees. But it was precisely due to the regime's anti-democratic policies that they did not succeed. But now the situation has changed fundamentally: PACE has established institutional relations with the democratic forces — the Coordination Council. Now in Strasbourg, it is not the lies of Lukashenko regime officials that are heard, but the real voice of society. We are the first country which, without being a member of the organisation, has its own official Coordination Council delegation there, representing society rather than a dictatorship. How did this become possible? Photo: NAM-media The key factor is ELECTIONS. The Coordination Council of the 3rd convocation became the first in history to be formed through the direct vote of Belarusian citizens. It was precisely this democratic mandate that became the decisive argument for international recognition. Without elections of this level, such representation in PACE would have been impossible to achieve, and this recognition simply would not have happened. And now, as members of the Belarusian delegation to PACE, we have the opportunity to work within committees, participate in debates, and contribute to the preparation of documents and decisions on Belarus together with our European colleagues. We successfully lobbied for the inclusion of Belarus's top military-political leadership in the resolutions on the creation of a Special Tribunal for aggression against Ukraine. We use this platform for concrete matters: from questions of accountability to resolving issues of legalisation of Belarusians abroad and protection of the rights of political prisoners. This is not merely a status in international protocol. This is a real instrument of international influence that we have returned to the Belarusian people.

Today the EU adopted the 20th sanctions package against Russia, which also concerns the role of the Lukashenko regime in supporting the Kremlin's aggressive war against Ukraine. It includes enterprises linked to the Belarusian military-industrial complex and the Lukashenko regime. For the first time, a Chinese state organisation is being targeted due to its role in the production of Belarusian military goods. Sanctions can now apply to individuals from third countries (neither Belarus nor the EU) if they assist in supplying prohibited goods to Belarus. In particular, sanctions have been imposed on Volat-Sanziang LLC, its Chinese founder, and Belarusian Oil Company CJSC. Volat-Sanziang is a Belarusian-Chinese joint venture established with the participation of the Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant. It produces wheeled chassis for military equipment, including multiple rocket launch systems. Belarusian Oil Company CJSC is Belarus's leading oil exporter and is owned by several of the largest oil extraction and refining enterprises in the Republic of Belarus, including Belarusneft and Naftan. In addition, the package includes measures analogous to those imposed on Russia — in particular, new trade restrictions, cryptocurrency restrictions, and restrictions on the provision of cybersecurity and tourism services. Harmonisation continues. Diamond tracking requirements have also been strengthened, obliging importers of processed diamonds to provide a due diligence declaration confirming that the diamonds were not mined, processed, or manufactured in Russia. Belarus is known to have been a transit point for Russian diamonds. As far back as 20 November 2023, the NAM had reported on the threat of sanctions circumvention targeting Russia's diamond industry via Belarus and had transmitted this data to the European Commission. A report on this matter was also published on 23 November 2023 in the major European outlet European Interest Media. Any transactions involving the "Belarusian digital ruble" have also been prohibited — the launch of which the National Bank of Belarus had planned for the second half of 2026. The EU is effectively blocking this system before its full launch, depriving the regime of the ability to use it to circumvent sanctions. And we had warned the regime. For the first time in history, the EU is activating its anti-circumvention instrument, prohibiting the export of any computers with numerical control and radio stations to Kyrgyzstan, where there is a high risk that these products will be re-exported to Russia. All these measures will be supplemented by a strengthened ban on transit through Russian territory. The list of goods prohibited from transit through Belarus has also been expanded. Finally, the EU is introducing an import quota on ammonia. The proposals of the NAM and the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus on sanctions against third countries, trade quotas, and transit restrictions had been consistently put forward as far back as 2023–2025. The EU had until recently refused to adopt such radical measures, but now this has become a reality for the European Union. "Our efforts have yielded results. The EU's 20th sanctions package is, in part, the implementation of the systematic proposals of the NAM and the United Transitional Cabinet. For the first time, not only regime enterprises but also international evasion schemes have come under fire. We continue to close the 'Belarusian offshore' for Russian diamonds and technologies. This is a qualitative transition from targeted pressure to a strategy of 'full encirclement'," — stated Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the NAM. Sanctions against the Lukashenko regime have been extended by the EU Council until 28 February 2027.

Pavel Latushka, March 25, 2026. Photo by LookByMedia. Source: nashaniva.com According to recent polling data, the coalition led by Pavel Latushka and Movement "For Freedom" could secure an absolute majority of seats in the political representation of Belarus' independent society. Despite being the primary target of the regime's most aggressive propaganda "heavy artillery," the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet remains untarnished. The former Minister of Culture, who joined the democratic movement in 2020, continues to be one of the opposition's most popular figures. This trend is confirmed by online polls regarding the popularity of candidate lists for the 4th Convocation of the Coordination Council, with elections scheduled for May 11–17, 2026. Few have the courage to cast their vote for the Coordination Council amidst ongoing repression. In the 2024 elections, 6,700 people voted via the electronic platform, despite the regime's attempts to use propaganda for intimidation and discredit. Nevertheless, their voting patterns remain broadly representative of the wider opposition support base. In a poll launched by Reform.news on April 20—which, according to observations by Nasha Niva, has so far remained free of the artificial 'vote-stuffing' typically signaled by sudden spikes in data—voter preferences were distributed as follows: Online poll of voter preferences for the elections to the 4th convocation of the Coordination Council in the Reform.news Telegram channel as of 14:58 on April 20. Screenshot. As of 2:58 PM, approximately 55% of decided voters intended to vote for the Pavel Latushka and Movement 'For Freedom'. This marks a significant increase from the 2024 elections, where he secured roughly 35% of the vote. Latushka’s block faces no clear rival. The 'Volya' list, primarily composed of current and former Kalinouski Regiment volunteers, is polling at approximately 9%. Meanwhile, the 'European Choice' list—led by Valery Matskevich, Chief of Staff of the United Transitional Cabinet—and blogger Tatiana Martynova’s 'Enough Fearing' list are each drawing around 7% of the vote. An earlier poll conducted by Euroradio yielded similar results, though it was briefly compromised by artificial 'vote-stuffing' in favor of the 'Law and Order' block. It appears the public views Pavel Latushka as a substantial figure capable of withstanding the pressure and worthily representing Belarusians. Ultimately, the regime’s smear campaigns only seem to strengthen the trust placed in him. It appears that the desertion or alleged espionage activity of Anzhalika Melnikava—who was originally nominated as Council Speaker by Latushka himself—has not undermined public trust in him. Meanwhile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who had previously maintained a skeptical stance toward the Coordination Council, has nevertheless urged Belarusians to cast their votes for the body. "Those who have decided to run for the Coordination Council have made a conscious choice. They understood exactly what they would face: pressure, threats, and risks—yet they chose to stand anyway. This earns my deepest respect. Belarus is built with every decision, with every choice. The Coordination Council will be exactly what we make of it. At this stage of the campaign, it is especially important not to rush, but to carefully study the lists, the individuals running for the Council, and the substance of their programs. An informed choice begins with understanding. The better we know who and what we are voting for, the stronger our collective position will be. Now is the time to read, compare, look into the essence of these platforms, and decide—so that our voice is not just a vote, but a responsible choice for the future of Belarus," says Tsikhanouskaya. Elections for the 4th Convocation of the Coordination Council will take place from May 11 to May 17, featuring nine electoral blocks and 174 candidates. In her video address, the democratic leader expressed her gratitude to everyone who continues to support Belarus through their words and actions. She emphasized that meaningful change begins with active participation.

During the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and member of the Coordination Council's delegation to PACE, held a meeting with Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. During the meeting, Pavel Latushka expressed gratitude for the recent decision of the Congress Bureau to extend the participation of the Coordination Council's delegation in Congress sessions for another two years. Pavel Latushka also noted that he highly values the Congress Bureau's initiative to prepare a special report entitled "The Role of Local and Regional Authorities in Supporting Belarusian Democratic Forces and Civil Society." This document will be of significant importance for expanding the capabilities of Belarusian civil society during the period of forced emigration. In addition, Pavel Latushka thanked for the opportunity granted to members of the CC delegation in the Congress to participate in election observation missions in Council of Europe member states. Mathieu Mori noted the active work of the CC delegation in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the fruitful cooperation between the CC delegation and the Congress, and congratulated them on their achievements as a result of their work in 2025–2026. During the meeting, particular emphasis was placed on the special role and importance of local and regional authorities in supporting released Belarusian political prisoners and repressed Belarusians. The Secretary General stated that this issue is a focus of the Congress's attention and that work in this direction is planned to be intensified. As an example of successful engagement, Mathieu Mori cited the Tuscany region in Italy, where support programmes are in place and communication has been established with Belarusian democratic forces and the People's Embassy of Belarus in Italy. Pavel Latushka separately drew attention to the problem of elderly Belarusians who were forced to leave the country being unable to receive their pensions on the territory of European states. One of the proposed solutions put forward by Pavel Latushka was the introduction of social support programmes implemented by local authorities. The meeting also addressed the issue of transnational repression carried out by the Lukashenko regime. The parties discussed how local authorities can assist Belarusians facing persecution, specifically in matters of legalisation and social affairs at the municipal level (provision of housing, assistance to those in need, etc.). Mathieu Mori noted that the Congress can also provide concrete support through contacts with local authorities. The CC delegation in the Congress may forward citizens' appeals to the Congress in order to facilitate the resolution of their problems.

"We understand the strategy of the EU and Belarus's neighbouring countries — Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia — which are investing significant financial resources in the construction of defensive structures on the border. At the same time, they are increasing defence spending. Nevertheless, I am convinced that a two-track strategy is needed. It is essential to invest significantly greater resources in countering the 'Russian world' — specifically into Belarusian society, because only it can serve as a security guarantee for its neighbours," — stated Pavel Latushka, delegate of the Coordination Council and member of the CC delegation to PACE, during the side event "How the 'Russian World' Works: Ideology and Practice of Hybrid Aggression Against Europe" during the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The side event was organised by the CC delegation to PACE. "The Russian Federation has set a strategic goal — to change the mentality of Belarusians so that they support the aggression against Ukraine and hold anti-Western sentiments. Hundreds of millions, if not billions, are being invested in this. Russia is doing this with the support of the Lukashenko regime. The European Union and our partners, in turn, allocate significantly fewer resources for these purposes — insufficient to counter Russia's plans. If we do not change this strategy, we may arrive at dire consequences. It is important to understand that Belarusians are already taxpayers in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have been forced to leave their homeland and are working and paying taxes in the EU. And this is a request from me, as a representative elected by Belarusians — a request for support for Belarusian society. If we do not follow this path, then, regrettably, within a few years we may reach a situation where, on the border between Belarus and European Union countries, there stands a person of Belarusian origin with a Russian consciousness. Or, what is even worse, in a Russian uniform and ready to attack the territory of the European Union," — emphasised Pavel Latushka. Pavel Latushka also presented to the side event participants three reports prepared by the People's Anti-Crisis Management, on how Russia, using the imperial ideology of the "Russian world" with the support of the Lukashenko regime, is attempting to change the mentality of Belarusians and prepare society for entering the war on the side of the Russian Federation: "Systematic Preparation by the Lukashenko Regime for Possible Entry into the War on Russia’s Side and Recommendations for Preventing This Scenario"; "The Union State as a Cover Instrument for Russia's Imperial Policy"; "The Battle for Belarus: The Lukashenko Regime’s Systemic Policy of Destroying Belarusian Identity and Promoting the 'Russian World'". In addition, participants were presented with a report prepared jointly by NAM and BELPOL: "Children without a future: the militarization of childhood in Belarus".

Photo: NAM-media The European Union has no intention of softening sanctions against the Lukashenko regime. This was stated by the EU's Special Envoy for Sanctions, David O'Sullivan, in response to a question from Coordination Council delegate and member of the CC delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Pavel Latushka. During a session of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy at the PACE spring session, Pavel Latushka put the following question to the EU representative: "Will new sanctions against the Lukashenko regime be introduced in the near future? And are there any obstacles to this at present?" He also emphasised that the Lukashenko regime continues to destabilise the situation on the borders with Belarus's neighbours that are EU member states: Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. In responding to Pavel Latushka's question, David O'Sullivan noted: "All sanctions that the EU imposes against Russia automatically extend to Belarus as well. The EU consistently adheres to this policy and has no plans to change it." "The United States has begun to ease sanctions against Belarus, which is causing concern within the EU, as this creates 'gaps' in the sanctions regime against Russia. The European Union considers this problematic and has no intention of following the same path." Following the event, Pavel Latushka and David O'Sullivan held a separate conversation devoted to the need for continued pressure on the regime. During the conversation, Latushka stressed that as long as Lukashenko does not change his internal repressive and external aggressive policies, European sanctions must not be lifted.