"We are engaged in a strategic dialogue, which means the discussion must focus on strategy — on a strategy to achieve the goal of an independent, democratic, and European Belarus. On a strategy to stop aggressors, restore security, deprive them of resources and spheres of influence. Belarus, in this strategy, is one of the cornerstones" , — stated Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, during the  Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue , Session I: "Sovereign, Stable, Democratic Belarus". The Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue, held on December 3-4, brought together Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, members of the Coordination Council, and representatives of Belarusian civil society. In his address, Pavel Latushka emphasized that while the West acted half-heartedly, sacrificing strategic goals for tactical political interests, the aggressor already had a strategy. "Russia is the only country that has a strategy not only for Belarus but for the entire region. It is a strategy of imperial expansion. Therefore, Belarus cannot be a gift for Putin at peace negotiations. It can be a victim, yes. But Belarus is not a bargaining chip. Belarusians are not a consumable material" , — said Pavel Latushka. Pavel Latushka noted that today’s Belarus is a military base for Russia, one that can be activated at any moment, as was the case in February 2022. Belarus also serves as a massive sanctions loophole through which Russia obtains goods necessary to continue its war, given that Belarus and Russia share a single customs area and effectively have no border. He stressed that a true strategy involves supporting the Belarusian democratic society . "We are living in a historic moment. Russia’s goal is to destroy the existing world order and create chaos, allowing aggressors to reshape the world to their advantage by establishing spheres of influence. Aggressors will not stop unless they are stopped. And for this, Belarus must be clearly integrated into the strategy", — stated Pavel Latushka. Pavel  Latushka presented specific tools and objectives to the American side for implementing a successful strategy regarding Belarus: Systematic and consistent support for organizations and initiatives of civil society , particularly those operating within Belarus, as well as support for independent media and bloggers; Non-recognition of Lukashenko  and recognition  of the established and functioning political institutions of Belarusian democratic forces ; Continuation and intensification of sanctions agains t the Lukashenko regime; Bringing Lukashenko to international criminal accountability  for his crimes; Ensuring that decisions about Belarusians are not made behind their backs . "It is also crucial for us to define a specific goal for the strategy regarding Belarus. According to the consensus of the United Transitional Cabinet, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and the majority of the Coordination Council, the goal should be a democratic Belarus outside Russia’s sphere of influence; Belarus as an integral part of the European and Euro-Atlantic community and security system. Without this, there will be neither peace nor security" , — concluded Pavel Latushka during the Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue.

Accountability for Lukashenko and his regime’s crimes, sanctions policy, and justice for Belarusians were key topics of discussion during the Strategic Dialogue "Belarus–U.S." ,held on December 3-4 in Vilnius. These issues were highlighted by Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, during the third session of the Strategic Dialogue on mechanisms of accountability. "Speaking about accountability, I want to start with a clear statement: justice is the key expectation of Belarusians today. This is especially true for the hundreds of thousands of victims of crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko’s regime. Recent studies by leading human rights organizations in Belarus confirm this conclusion", — stated Pavel Latushka  during the discussion. The Strategic Dialogue "Belarus–U.S."  serves as a platform to maintain sustainable relations between Belarusian democratic forces and the U.S. government. It is a unique format for a strategic dialogue, as the participants are not representatives of Lukashenko’s regime but instead representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society institutions. The Belarusian side is represented by the leader of the United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , members of the United Transitional Cabinet and Coordination Council, as well as civic initiatives. Pavel Latushka emphasized: "Those guilty of crimes must be recognized as criminals, and victims must be acknowledged as such within the framework of a judicial process that adheres to the rule of law. Protecting victims’ rights requires a proactive, not passive, approach. The sooner Lukashenko and his accomplices are held accountable, the sooner a future will come for Belarus and Belarusians. Belarusians deserve justice, and helping to achieve it is within the power of the U.S. and other democratic nations". Pavel Latushka also called on the U.S. to continue and intensify systemic sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime: "Lukashenko is not a politician who would willingly become a governor of a Russian region. At a critical moment, he will seek support. And that will be the time to dictate terms to him. Sanctions must only grow stronger until they reach a critical level and produce the necessary effect".

Opening remarks by the Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka at the side event "The Belarus Situation at the ICC: ICC Jurisdiction and the Need for State Party Support" held during the 23rd Session of the ICC Assembly of State Parties December 2, 2024, The Hague Dear Head of the International Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Justice of Lithuania Mr. Dzikovic, Representatives of ICC States Parties. Dear organizers and speakers, dear guests,  First and foremost, thank you for attracting attention to Belarus and the crimes committed by its authorities inside and outside of the country. I believe that this is the very first event ever dedicated to the Belarusian situation at the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court. It has been 4 and a half years since Belarus became an arena of mass atrocities… 4 years of grave international crimes, such as mass torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, rapes and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, arbitrary imprisonment and murder… All these atrocities occur in a climate of total impunity for the perpetrators. The authorities in Minsk have created an awfully efficient machine for mass persecuting and repression of those perceived as "disloyal". This regime has developed and implemented a whole state policy of persecution, introducing  legislation aimed at discriminating against those perceived as disloyal in order to, as Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly stated himself, to “clean the Belarusian society”. The created atmosphere of fear, terror and persecution forced about 300,000 people to flee their homeland. This means every thirtieth resident left Belarus. They were simply left with no other choice. We consider all of them as victims of the crime of deportation, a crime against humanity. However, the Belarusian authorities did not stop at expelling part of the population beyond the borders of Belarus; they have continued to persecute Belarusians abroad.   Those abroad and in exile were subjected to: intimidation and threats of violence;  pressure and criminal persecution of relatives and friends; judicial harassment, namely persecution by means of politically motivated criminal cases, trials in absentia with no due process, seizure and confiscation of property;  deprivation of other fundamental rights. We believe that these actions cumulatively amount to the crime against humanity of persecution, committed extraterritorially by high officials of the regime against Belarusians in exile. Therefore, on September 30, Lithuania was the first country that, following the ideals of international justice, has exercised its right under Article 14 of the Rome Statute and referred the situation of transborder crimes against humanity of senior officials of the Lukashenko authorities to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. One of the most important questions today is: Will other countries join Lithuania's referral in the future? Practice shows that other state parties joining the referral is important for the success of this process. We therefore call on our partners - especially Poland and Latvia, who have provided a safe haven to the majority of Belarusian refugees - to join Lithuania’s courageous referral, strengthening these accountability efforts. And I truly believe that this excellent expert discussion today will provide the attendees with convincing arguments.   I thank you!

Belarus is preparing a new edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus . Reports suggest that the new version plans to downgrade the conservation status of the European bison, brown bear, lynx, and badger. According to Pavel Heshthov t, Deputy Director for Science and Innovation at the Scientific and Practical Center for Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, there are allegedly "objective reasons" for this decision. However, it seems that the real "objective reason" threatening these species is the persistent lobbying by Igor Shunevich , former Minister of Internal Affairs and now head of the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen. The motivation is straightforward: to legalize the already ongoing hunting of protected and highly valuable animals, organize a "Belarusian safari" for Lukashenko’s elite and close associates, and profit from selling permits to hunt Red Book species. Will Shunevich succeed in carrying out this criminal plan to slaughter protected animals? As long as Lukashenko holds power in Belarus, the answer is unfortunately yes. Who Is Igor Shunevich? Igor Shunevich served as Belarus' Minister of Internal Affairs from 2012 to 2019 and was the former general director of the Minsk hockey club Dinamo . He is infamous for attending the May 9, 2015 Victory Day Parade in an NKVD officer’s uniform. In May 2019, Shunevich refused to apologize to the Roma community after mass detentions conducted during the investigation into the death of a traffic police officer near Mogilev. Since October 2021, Shunevich has headed the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen  (BOOR) and, much like during his time as Minister of Internal Affairs, has taken on this role with reckless enthusiasm, disregarding both the law and common sense. One of his first moves was to express disdain for the Red Book of Belarus , a document protecting rare and endangered species of animals, plants, and fungi. Notably, this document also restricts his ability to orchestrate the hunting and commercialization of protected species. In Shunevich’s view, the Red Book  is a "rudiment", an obsolete tool that hinders the "rational" use of natural resources. Rational use, in his interpretation, means exploitation to serve the interests of Lukashenko and his inner circle. Shunevich even proposed removing bison and bears from the Red Book  and opened discussions about hunting storks — a symbol of Belarus — and "arrogant predators" who, he claims, "are losing their fear of humans". For Shunevich and the regime he serves, it is crucial that fear of them prevails in all spheres. Shunevich has stated that the valuable and protected wildlife of Belarus is overpopulated: "There are too many bears; they need to be culled. And bison, supposedly, no longer require protection. Regarding predators, he frames them as having developed a habit of disregarding people:  "Of course, predators have a role in nature. But if they start getting cocky due to the lack of hunting pressure and lose all fear of humans, that’s abnormal" . He even criticizes birds for their "excessive success": "If the populations of swans and storks were slightly reduced, it would only benefit other species". Criticism and Resistance In response to criticism from zoologists and conservationists, Shunevich dismisses them as "eco-loons", refusing to accept the perspective that animals and birds are not mere resources but living inhabitants of Belarus' forests, steppes, and wetlands, whose existence has intrinsic value. Regrettably, there is currently no one in Belarus to effectively resist such madness against protected wildlife. Some environmentalists have been imprisoned by the Lukashenko regime, while others have fled the country due to repression. A Trophy Hunting Agenda As head of BOOR, Shunevich also advocates for the development of a trophy-hunting industry at the state level. "Belarus is a country with a rich hunting tradition. Today, we believe that hunting trophies should become a national asset. There should be a national trophy book, rankings, competitions, and other events that are integral parts of the hunting industry and culture", Shunevich said. This vision marks the next step: after the slaughter of protected animals, Shunevich is laying the groundwork to institutionalize his plans at the state level. In November 2023, the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen, under the leadership of Igor Shunevich, introduced awards called the "Great Belarusian Five" and the "Great Belarusian Seven", designed to recognize trophy hunting achievements. To earn such a "distinction", hunters must "harvest" specific trophies within five years, according to standards outlined in a special regulation. Notably, the first of these awards was already presented by Shunevich to his ideological inspiration — the dictator Alexander Lukashenko. For the dubious "Great Belarusian Five" award, a hunter must take down a moose, deer, roe deer, wolf, and wild boar. To achieve the "Great Belarusian Seven", one must additionally kill a European bison and a capercaillie. These awards come at the cost of animal lives, with many of these species already facing serious concerns from environmentalists about their survival in the wild. By creating a culture of trophies, the regime seeks to legitimize and promote the killing of animals that are not merely trophies but an integral part of Belarus's living nature. Behind this lies the pursuit of profit, and those in power, led by Lukashenko, are unlikely to stop themselves. They are greedy and unscrupulous, prioritizing short-term gains over ethical principles. Shunevich’s actions and statements shock with their cruelty and complete disregard for the role of wildlife in ecosystems. He carelessly proposes reclassifying the European bison as a game species, arguing that it is "no longer threatened" and can be "harvested by the dozens." Yet the European bison is not just a species that was recently on the brink of extinction—it is a symbol of Belarus. Contrary to the logic of conservation, which values every life of these rare animals, Shunevich is ready to reverse years of efforts to protect them for the financial interests of Lukashenko and his inner circle. He calls himself a hunter, but a true hunter respects the forest and its inhabitants. Without this respect, one becomes a cynical poacher. Hunting originally emerged as a means of survival when humans depended on nature, understanding and respecting its rhythms, and taking no more than necessary. At its core was the awareness that forests and their inhabitants are not just resources but part of a unified world whose well-being directly impacts humanity. These concepts, however, seem alien to Shunevich. Even more alarming is his attitude towards bears. His shocking proposal to "regulate their population" because they supposedly "have lost their fear of humans" reveals that he sees animals not as living beings but as problems to be "solved." Such a stance reflects a shortsighted and dangerous understanding of human-wildlife relationships. This approach undermines principles of humane treatment of animals, leads to ecosystem degradation, disrupts natural balance, and diminishes biodiversity—values that should underpin state policy. Under the guise of promoting hunting in Belarus, Shunevich also actively lobbies for involving hunters in territorial defense. He argues that hunters possess knowledge, weapons, equipment, and vehicles that could be used to guard facilities, support snipers, and counter diversionary-reconnaissance groups. Following his suggestion, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense organized retraining courses for hunters to qualify for the military specialty of "sniper." The question arises—why? Is this preparation for new protests in the country? Such steps may signal the regime’s intent to create additional forces to ensure its security. Shunevich, with his primitive outlook, seems incapable of imagining what Belarus could be if the state genuinely cared for its unique natural heritage. Instead of encouraging hunters to kill protected animals, Belarus could become a magnet for millions of tourists eager to see European bison, lynx, deer, moose, and other treasures of its forests in their natural habitats. Imagine a Belarus where every corner of nature is not a hunting ground but a protected area where humans and animals coexist in harmony. In such a country, caring for nature would become not just a fashionable topic but a key pillar of sustainable development. By viewing our forests, meadows, and wetlands as living treasures, we could create new opportunities for growth and earn not from bloodshed but from the beauty that is becoming increasingly scarce on our planet. Picture forest trails designed for wildlife observation, where people encounter deer, elk, and other woodland creatures that are unafraid of human presence because they are protected and respected. Belarusian forests could become a magnet for eco-tourism, attracting visitors from around the world eager to see bison, lynxes, and storks in their natural habitats—not behind the bars of a zoo. We could establish safe viewing platforms offering breathtaking sights of wild animals. Visitors could stay in eco-friendly lodges that blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This approach could generate significantly more revenue for the country than hunting. Beyond tourism, Belarus could become a hub for nature conservation education. In reserves, we could organize eco-camps and excursions for schoolchildren and students, teaching them about forest life and the importance of protecting biodiversity. Workshops for children and adults could focus on birdwatching, trekking, and nature photography. Think of how many jobs this focus on nature could create—from guides and rangers to reserve staff, instructors, and researchers. Investments in these areas would improve the well-being of local communities, providing jobs and opportunities for growth. Local artisans, craftsmen, and producers of natural goods could also support this eco-friendly business by selling their creations and delicacies to visitors. In a world where Belarus is renowned for its natural wealth, not hunting but respectful stewardship of forests and wildlife would become a source of national pride. For Belarus, in a post-Lukashenko era, to become a country where nature conservation and economic development go hand in hand, significant reevaluation of priorities will be required, along with the support of civil society and investors, and the involvement of international organizations. Environmentally focused governance can lay a strong foundation for the country’s future, where protecting and respecting nature will be a source of national pride and a model for other nations to follow.

An expert event titled "Paths to Resolving the Political Crisis in Belarus Using the Example of Poland's Round Table" took place yesterday at the Museum Free BelarusMuseum in Warsaw. The event aimed to analyze Poland's experience and explore potential scenarios for democratic changes in Belarus. It was organized by the United Transitional Cabinet's office for the transition of power and the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM). Following the unprecedented violence of Lukashenko's regime in August 2020, one of the key demands of the Belarusian people has been fair democratic elections under the supervision of international observers. Essentially, this represents a demand for a power transition process and the transfer of authority and responsibility within the political system. One potential pathway for the transition of power in Belarus could involve dialogue between the ruling elites (those not involved in crimes) and democratic forces, using a "round table" or negotiation format. This scenario would ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict, with interested parties reaching a compromise, potentially including political reforms, new elections, or other democratization steps — topics discussed during the event. The event brought together Belarusian and Polish experts, political and public figures, including Pavel Latushka , representative of the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) for the transition of power; Pavel Barkouski , acting representative for national revival in UTC; Angelika Melnikava , spokesperson for the Coordination Council; Valery Matskevich , chief of staff of the UTC; Yuri Gubarevich  and Artsiom Brukhan , deputies for the transition of power; Aleś Mikhalevich , lawyer and deputy chairman of the "For Freedom" movement; Jan Malick i, director of the Center for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw; Alexander Rakitsky , former prosecutor; Dzmitry Kruk , expert at BEROC; Vadim Mazheiko , political analyst, among others. "The strengthening of democratic institutions and Belarusian democratic society, on the one hand, and the readiness of the elites to resolve the socio-political crisis in Belarus, on the other hand, are prerequisites for conducting any negotiations. Any negotiation processes can only occur under the condition that Lukashenko is not a part of them. Because Lukashenko will not engage in talks, and the elites will be afraid to do so as long as he controls power. It is especially important to be prepared for such events: internal pressure, strong democratic institutions, and reliable external partners who, at a critical moment, will be ready to support the democratic aspirations of Belarusians", said Pavel Latushka, representative of the United Transitional Cabinet for the transition of power and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), during the event. Pavel Latushka also emphasized: "Sociological data shows that 97% of Belarusians want to live in an independent country — the Republic of Belarus. And I know that similar sentiments are shared by a significant portion of the nomenklatura. During my work as a minister and diplomat, I had experience interacting with those who today hold key positions in the state administration system. It is important for those officials who have not committed crimes, who hold pro-state and pro-Belarusian views, to understand that the main obstacle to Belarus' exit from the socio-political crisis is Lukashenko, and that the national interest of the country aligns with resolving this crisis. If a member of the nomenklatura has not committed crimes, has not been involved in repression or crimes against the Belarusian people, they should understand that no one will 'hang them on poles', as Lukashenko tries to scare officials. However, those who have committed serious crimes must understand that accountability for them will be inevitable".

Today, November 27, 2024, Pavel Latushka , the deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), was invited to the working group session of the Sejm and Senate of Poland. During the first part of the meeting, elections were held for the chair of the "For a Free Belarus" Parliamentary Group. The former Marshal of the Sejm and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, now the chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Grzegorz Schetyna , was elected as the new chair. In the second part of the meeting, Pavel Latushka presented proposals on behalf of the UTC of Belarus for cooperation with the group and actions to support the Belarusian society’s fight for democratic change. The key proposals included: Non-recognition of the sham elections organized by Lukashenko on January 26, 2025. Support for bringing Lukashenko to justice for crimes against the Belarusian people. Assistance in legalizing Belarusian citizens in Poland, including Belarusian volunteers. Access to higher education for applicants from Belarus. Support for Belarusian identity and independent media. Grzegorz Schetyna, the head of the group, noted that it is in Poland's interest to "maintain an active policy regarding Belarus, continue the isolation of the regime, and at the same time be open to Belarusian society". Polish parliamentarians also emphasized the importance of focusing EU member states' attention on the situation in Belarus during Poland's presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2025. They will also support the participation of representatives of democratic institutions and initiatives in EU events during this presidency. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to set a schedule for mutual events to focus attention on Belarusian issues in the European Union, including the importance of the release of political prisoners and stopping the mass repressions in Belarus. Public hearings in the Polish Parliament on the situation in Belarus are also planned, organized by the "For a Free Belarus" working group. The second part of the meeting was also attended by Angelika Melnikova , the spokeswoman of the Coordination Council, who provided information on the activities of the Coordination Council and expressed readiness to cooperate with the Polish Parliamentary group. An agreement was made to develop mutual cooperation plans.

NAM lawyer Kyrylyuk Mikhail  emphasized in an interview with Radio Svaboda  that the authorities turn a blind eye to international extremists while targeting Belarusians for their national identity, treating them as if they were terrorists: "When Russian soldiers, who have committed crimes in Ukraine that can be equated with true extremism, come to Belarus, they are allowed to promote the narratives of the 'Russian World' and even teach Belarusian youth 'patriotism.' The authorities overlook this.Yet, the founder of Symbal.by , a true patriot of his country, Pavel Belavus, was imprisoned essentially for promoting Belarusian national ideas. The deputy editor of Nasha Niva highlighted the harsh treatment in prisons towards those speaking Belarusian. Persecution of Belarusians in Belarus has become state policy" . Those advocating "traditional values" violate Christian principles: Kyrylyuk Mikhail   pointed out the increasing repression even against relatives of political prisoners who seek to support their loved ones: "Providing help and sending packages to prisoners is charity and a fundamental aspect of Christian morality, as mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. But here, people are jailed for assisting innocent individuals in prison. This represents a grave violation of human rights and moral values. This indicates that even in the fourth year of violent power retention, Lukashenka and his associates do not feel secure. They seek to maintain an atmosphere of fear and terror in the country, clearly believing it to be their only source of power ", says NAM lawyer.

Artsiom Brukhan , Deputy Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), explained on Euroradio  how the dictator envisions the transfer of power and who might succeed him. "The so-called All-Belarusian People’s Assembly (UNS), initially designed as a mechanism for Lukashenka’s power transition, was later repurposed for other objectives and even forgotten for some time. Now it has resurfaced to lend authority to this body. Why? One theory suggests that Lukashenka is contemplating Dmitry Krutoy (the head of his administration) as a potential successor. The dictator has often discussed ways to ensure that a new president would lack a powerful vertical power structure like his own" . If the transfer happens through the UNS, Krutoy benefits: "Dmitry Krutoy has been actively promoted during the 'Unity' marathon, touring cities and delivering political messages, such as reminding residents of Pinsk that he is from there. This appears to be an attempt to win favor with the public. Consequently, we are witnessing two campaigns: heavy promotion of Lukashenka and simultaneous promotion of Krutoy". Lukashenka has learned lessons from Kazakhstan’s power transition: "The dictator wants the new president to have limited power. In this context, Krutoy fits the bill. Lukashenka aims to bolster his legitimacy through 'non-elections' and only then implement the power transition, presenting it as a 'wise decision'. This is crucial for him".

I welcome Ambassador Adam Halaciński as the new Plenipotentiary of the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs for Cooperation with the Belarusian democratic forces . I am confident that our fruitful cooperation, which began during your term as Poland's Permanent Representative to the OSCE, will continue. This is an important decision by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which demonstrates the continuity of the efforts started by Ambassador, the former Special Representative of the Polish MFA for Cooperation with the Democratic Forces of Belarus Artur Michalski, and underscores the strong support of Belarusian democratic forces by our Polish partners. The appointment of a new Plenipotentiary of the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs for Cooperation with the Belarusian democratic forces signifies Poland's unwavering support for the aspirations of Belarusian society toward democratic change in Belarus.

"In the lead-up to another attempt by Lukashenko to reappoint himself to the usurped position of President of Belarus, the country has been undergoing mass political purges in recent months. As a result, many Belarusians are forced to flee the country to avoid arrest. It is absolutely vital that Poland provides visas and keeps its borders open for such people seeking refuge" , — stated Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, during a meeting with the Deputy Marshal of the Polish Senate, Maciej Żywno . On November 20, Pavel Latushka met with the Deputy Marshal of the Polish Senate, Maciej Żywno, during which the head of NAM presented facts about the escalation of repression in Belarus over the past months. A Aide-Mémoire with information about recent arrests in the country on the eve of the so-called elections was also handed over. The Deputy Marshal of the Senate expressed his gratitude for the information provided and emphasized his opposition to closing border crossings for Belarusians , particularly noting the importance of protecting the Belarusian people in the face of ongoing repression in the country. Pavel Latushka also initiated discussions on holding Lukashenko and his accomplices accountable for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people. He informed the Deputy Marshal of the Senate about Lithuania’s submission of materials on the crimes of Lukashenko’s regime to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and urged the Polish side to support these actions. During the meeting, Pavel Latushka handed over a Aide-Mémoire justifying the importance of not recognizing the farce Lukashenko plans to stage under the guise of "elections." In the near future, the work of the Sejm and Senate’s parliamentary group "For a Democratic Belarus" is set to resume, following the election of the previous head of the group to the European Parliament.

18.11.2024 Speech by Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management At the Gazeta Wyborcza Conference as part of the discussion "After the U.S. Elections: The Future of European Security and Transatlantic Cooperation", Panel Discussion Topic: "Stopping the Twilight of Democracy. US Elections and Human Rights Around the World" We do not want to be the dessert at Putin's dinner table, because right now everyone is talking about Ukraine, and that is obviously important, but no one is mentioning Belarus. It seems that everyone forgets that Belarus shares borders with Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. That’s over 2,000 kilometers of border. Solving the problem of Russia’s war against Ukraine without considering the situation in Belarus does not mean solving the security problem for Poland and the whole Europe. There is still no strategy for Belarus, and there is not even an intention to create one. A strategy is needed, and it must be comprehensive.  To understand what it should be based on, we must distinguish Belarusian society from Russian society. According to sociological analyses, 65% of Belarusians want to live in a democracy, and 97% want an independent Belarus.  In contrast, most Russians support the war, while the majority of Belarusians do not. Most Belarusians do not support Lukashenko, while most Russians support Putin. If the right strategy for Belarus and Belarusian society is not created, in a few years we may see soldiers of Belarusian origin, but now in Russian uniform, on the borders of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, ready to attack the borders of the European Union. When democracy ends, war begins.  The Belarusian people are a people with democratic mentality. We have seen this many times, and it became absolutely clear in 2020. The majority of Belarusians want democracy and support democratic changes in the country. But, indeed, we have not yet succeeded in establishing democracy. We must admit that we underestimated dictator Lukashenko and his regime, and what they are ready to do to stay in power: violence, murders, torture, mass repression, and crimes against humanity. Hundreds of thousands of crimes. Dozens of people were killed. Thousands of political prisoners. Tens of thousands of politically motivated criminal cases. The most massive repression in Europe in the last fifty years. The practical transformation of Lukashenko’s regime into a totalitarian one.  A hybrid war against the EU. And a full-scale war against Ukraine, in which Lukashenko's regime participated and continues to participate. Recognizing that the responsibility for the future of Belarus lies with Belarusian society, it is also important to understand: what were the mistakes made by our Western partners? The mistake was that no one wanted to see where things were going.  This is a huge strategic mistake that the West, unfortunately, continues to make today. The mistake is thinking that authoritarian, dictatorial regimes can undergo an evolutionary transformation. No, they seek totalitarianism and war. Because war is the most reliable way to control society. I can predict that a possible ceasefire in the war will happen.  Russian and Lukashenko's propaganda will present it as their victory, which will form the belief in Russian society that force can make the West retreat. What will happen next? This will motivate Russian society to start aggression against Ukraine again and destabilize the West.  In this situation, Belarus plays the role of a strategic balcony. But Belarus is not only Lukashenko, there is also the Belarusian people, the majority of whom are against the war. Belarusians are against it.  Even at the peak of mass repressions, when the war between Russia and Lukashenko’s regime against Ukraine began, Belarusians went out to protest. Many Belarusians joined the ranks of volunteers to fight on the side of Ukraine.  Belarusians were engaged in partisan activities, preventing the movement of Russian troops by rail. They disabled the Russian A-50 long-range radar aircraft that directed airstrikes on Ukraine. But Belarusians cannot fight alone.  And they certainly cannot do it when the West continues to behave indecisively. Belarusians have never asked for military help. Military assistance is necessary for Ukraine, and in much greater quantities and quality than it is currently being provided. We have called for shock sanctions, urged not to delay them, called for harmonizing sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime and Russia for the war. And we have called for the use of legal, judicial tools — international criminal responsibility for dictator Lukashenko and his inner circle for the crimes they commit. For decades, the West has been observing the transformation of Lukashenko’s regime in Belarus.  The West was fooled by his lies and cosmetic measures, false "thaws." Today, we see where this has led. And I urge you — do not buy into his lies again. This regime must be liquidated. When democracy ends, war begins. A democratic Belarus, a Belarus without Lukashenko, can in no way represent a danger to Ukraine or Europe. Lukashenko’s regime is a permanent threat to European security.  And not only for Europe — because today, Belarus not only hosts military facilities but also Russian nuclear weapons. This is a fact. But the key to security is also in Belarus. In a democratic Belarus. Until there is dictatorship in Belarus and Belarus remains in Russia’s "sphere of influence," the West will remain in danger. In 2025, Lukashenko’s regime and Russia plan to hold the largest joint military exercises, “Zapad — 2025.” And I think it is unnecessary to remind you what their joint exercises in February 2022 led to. Today we see what huge resources neighboring countries, including Poland, are forced to invest in border security, internal security, and protection from the aggression of Lukashenko’s regime. Yes, in the current situation, this is already an absolute necessity. At the same time, the security strategy will not be enough if it does not simultaneously invest in supporting Belarusian society.  The majority of which is against aggression. But it cannot be left to fight alone against Lukashenko’s regime and Russia. Therefore, today, when talking about the security of Europe and the West, I am sure that we must speak about a comprehensive strategy, which should include active work with Belarusian society.  This includes supporting independent media, recognizing and supporting alternative governing institutions (the United Transitional Cabinet, the Coordination Council), holding the dictator accountable to motivate society, and also splitting the elites. A very important step was the referral made by Lithuania to the International Criminal Court regarding transboundary crimes committed by Lukashenko’s regime.  We expect support for this step and similar steps from the Polish and other European governments. And we must clearly set the goals of the strategy. One of the most important strategic goals to achieve is a democratic Belarus outside Russia’s sphere of influence, as an integral part of the European community and the regional security system. To do this, we must finally be ready to admit: democratization of Belarus means the liquidation of Lukashenko’s regime.  This must no longer be the "red line." This “red line” is the result of a false strategy that dominated in Western politics for a long time. Tomorrow, the fate of Ukraine, Europe, and Belarus will be decided.  Will Belarus be at the negotiating table? And who will represent the country — Lukashenko or the democratic forces of Belarus? Who represents Belarusian society? Certainly not Lukashenko. We insist that the voice of the democratic majority of Belarusians be heard at the negotiating table.  We are ready to voice it. Are we going to be given a seat at the negotiating table? So far, no one is even ready to listen to our position. I hope they will hear me today. It is time to correct the mistakes. It is time for a proactive, not reactive, strategy. Otherwise, there will be war at the borders of the European Union. Thank you for your attention.

In recent weeks, former Belarusian political prisoners have encountered difficulties when trying to open bank accounts in Poland, particularly at PKO Bank Polski, which has recently introduced additional requirements. Many former political prisoners are unable to open an account due to the lack of documentation justifying the need for an account (such as an employment contract, rental agreement, etc.) . Applicants for asylum and international protection, who receive relevant social benefits, require a bank account for these purposes. However, they are unable to open one because, when holding only a Belarusian passport, they cannot yet provide documentation justifying the need for an account (like an employment or rental contract) as required by banks. After submitting an application for protection or asylum, their passports are confiscated, preventing them from opening an account without an ID document — even if, by that time, they may already have documentation verifying the need for an account, such as a decision regarding financial assistance. On November 12, 2024, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, sent a letter to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego), requesting that banks accept temporary identity documents issued to foreigners applying for asylum or international protection, as well as travel documents for foreigners for those with expired Belarusian passports  (in previous correspondence, the Polish Ministry of the Interior confirmed that a travel document could be accepted as proof of identity). In addition, Pavel Latushka emphasized in his letter to the KNF the importance of allowing account opening without additional requirements for holders of humanitarian visas. On May 28, 2024, Pavel Latushka had already contacted the KNF regarding issues with account openings and the blocking of mobile and online banking at Santander Bank. A response from the KNF on June 21 provided a partial resolution to this issue. We hope a solution will again be found in the interests of Belarusian citizens residing in Poland. It is also important to note that bank clients, in cases of rights violations, may file a complaint directly with the bank. They can also seek advice on their disputes from the Financial Ombudsman or regional consumer rights ombudsmen, as well as from non-governmental consumer protection organizations. Organizations dedicated to consumer protection offer free consultations , represent and act in the interests of consumers, and provide assistance in bringing cases to court and managing them.  The Financial Ombudsman, in turn, has the authority to initiate lawsuits on behalf of clients in cases related to unfair market practices by banks and, with the consent of the plaintiff, can participate in ongoing proceedings.