Site search

Representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus. Warsaw, Poland, 2026. Photo: NAM-media The Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Deputy Head Pavel Latushka, Representative for National Revival Pavel Barkouski, Representative for Youth Policy and Students Marharyta Vorykhava, and Chief of Staff of the Cabinet Valery Matskevich laid flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Warsaw on the day of the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Warsaw, Poland, 2026. Photo: UTC-media On this occasion, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said: "First of all, I want to express great gratitude to Ukrainians for the fact that they are defending not only Ukraine, not only Belarus — they are defending all of Europe. Through their self-sacrifice and dedication to their country, they are setting an example for democratic nations of how important it is to preserve independence and resist Russian aggression. They have finally shown the whole world what the 'Russian world', 'Russkiy mir', truly means. And I would like to address the Belarusians who have stood on the side of Ukraine throughout these four years. These are our fighters from the Kalinouski Regiment and other units. These are our Belarusian volunteers who are helping civilians and who established the Point of Invincibility in Kyiv. They are the true ambassadors of Belarus in Ukraine right now. Of course, I want to thank the entire Belarusian diaspora, which throughout these four years has been supporting both the Ukrainian army and our fighters in Ukraine. We, Belarusians and Ukrainians, see our future together in Europe. I am deeply grateful to President Zelensky for sharing this vision. As he has said: 'The eastern border of Europe runs along the eastern border of Belarus.'"

Illustrative photo From a reactive approach to a sustainable strategy for national reconciliation and Belarus’s European future 2021 — Foundation and crisis response: Building the organization with a primarily reactive approach to the crisis in Belarus. 2022 — Capacity building and adaptation: Strengthening core areas of work and adapting operations to the realities of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. 2023 — Strategic consolidation (2023–2025): Development of a long-term strategy focused on sanctions measures, international justice mechanisms, and public-oriented media engagement. 2024 — Strategy implementation: Advancing the Belarusian situation before the International Criminal Court and achieving significant growth in media reach and impact. 2025 — Advancing national dialogue: Building on achieved results, transitioning toward the promotion of “national dialogue” concept. Achieving a significant increase in the effectiveness of sanctions measures. International justice for Belarus Illustrative photo Amid the crisis in Belarus, marked by crimes against humanity and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine launched from Belarusian territory, NAM established a Legal Department in late 2022–early 2023 to focus on international criminal accountability issues. Key objectives: Build a systematic process for documenting international crimes Use available accountability mechanisms to support efforts to hold the Lukashenka regime’s senior military and political leadership responsible for international crimes. Achievements 2023 Illustrative photo Belarusian context International legal experts, including those associated with the NAM, have prepared the first comprehensive report on crimes against humanity in Belarus, published by the Law and Democracy Center “Justice Hub”. Engaging with Lithuania's Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Prosecutor General’s Office on the possibility of applying Article 14 of the Rome Statute to the “Belarus situation,” resulting in the initiation of relevant domestic procedures in Lithuania. Participation in the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Illustrative photo Ukrainian context Compilation of an archive documenting the unlawful mass transfer of Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus. Submission of the collected materials to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC through two communications under Article 15 of the Rome Statute (June and November) Submission of the collected materials to the Security Service of Ukraine, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman (May and December) Achievements 2024 Illustrative photo Belarusian context Provision of materials and advocacy support to the Ministry of Justice of Lithuania in preparing the Article 14 referral of the “Belarus situation” to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC On 30 September, the “Belarus situation” was officially referred to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC Development of a concept for launching the OSCE Moscow Mechanism regarding forced expulsion of “disloyals” Participation in the first-ever side event dedicated to the “Belarus situation” at the Assembly of States Parties of the ICC Illustrative photo Ukrainian context Submission of materials on deportation of Ukrainian children to UN Special Rapporteurs and Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Development of wording for PACE and European Parliament resolutions on accountability Achievements 2025 Illustrative photo Belarusian context Compilation of a document package submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC Submission of materials demonstrating state policy of deportation of “disloyal” Belarusians Drafting materials for a potential case before the International Court of Justice Illustrative photo Ukrainian context Draft wording ensuring tribunal jurisdiction over Belarus leadership for aggression Submission of information on deportation of Ukrainian children within Lithuanian criminal case Guiding principles of the long-term accountability strategy Illustrative photo Commitment to international accountability Long-term engagement with ICC, ICJ, Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Adaptability to political uncertainty Reliance on effective accountability mechanisms Mobilization of stakeholders Strategy within Belarus context NAM expects the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC to decide on opening a full investigation into the Belarus situation by the end of 2026. In case of a positive decision, NAM will implement the following three-fold strategy:  Strategic advocacy and coalition-building Intensify bilateral, regional, and international advocacy Build a coalition of States to join Lithuania’s referral to the ICC Using State referrals to broaden ICC jurisdiction, reinforcing investigative effectiveness, preventing fragmentation, and supporting victim participation. Operational cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC Collect and submit relevant evidence Reinforce the work of Belarusian and international civil society Support the Office of the Prosecutor throughout investigations and proceedings Outreach to affected communities Engage the Belarusian diaspora in Poland, Lithuania, and beyond Share information on the investigation and manage survivors’ expectations Ensure inclusive participation of affected communities Accountability before the ICJ Сontinue targeted advocacy to identify a State willing to bring a case against Belarus for breaching a UN multilateral Convention Conduct strategic bilateral and multilateral meetings with potential applicant States Convene stakeholders, legal experts, civil society, and survivors in regional and international fora Strategy within Ukrainian context Keeping focus on contributing to international accountabilityof Belarusian political and military leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine Appealing to accountability mechanism of the Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine that has been already established but will become operational in 2029 Adhering to early preparation in collecting, analyse, and preservation of evidence  Further submission of consolidated evidence to relevant stakeholders and, once operational, to the Office of the Prosecutor of the Tribunal Sanctions pressure Illustrative photo Sanctions as a tool of pressure Sanctions  are not merely a tool of accountability; they are one of the instruments to compel a change in policy —in our context, the regime’s internal repressive and external aggressive policies. Sanctions in the recent history of Belarus have yielded tangible results. Lukashenko was forced to release political prisoners and undertake some liberalization of his domestic policies, as well as to address external issues that he had created for partners. We work with both supranational and national sanctions. Supranational sanctions refer to those imposed by the European Union. National sanctions are prioritized in coordination with the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, Ukraine, and several other countries. Overall, between 2020 and 2025, a total of 14 packages of EU economic, personal, or mixed sanctions were adopted . The EU sanctions regulation was amended and supplemented 21 times. The EU’s sanctioning framework on Belarus has existed since 2006 and has evolved over time. We can divide the sanctions into several stages. The first EU package was adopted on October 2, 2020, targeting 44 representatives of the regime. Later, Lukashenko and part of his inner circle were added to the list. The third package, in December 2020, for the first time targeted seven military-related enterprises and major companies associated with the regime. The goal was to pressure the regime to end repressions and begin dialogue. Ryanair aircraft at Minsk airport in May 2021. Photo source: delfi.lt After the forced landing of the Ryanair plane in June 2021, the EU introduced a fourth package . In addition to expanding personal sanctions to 78 individuals, the first sectoral measures were introduced: restrictions on dual-use goods, potash, oil products, financial transactions, and securities. At the same time, eight additional legal entities were sanctioned, including BelAZ and MAZ. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada simultaneously introduced restrictive measures. Migrant attack on the Polish border, 2021. Photo source: bbc.com Subsequent packages expanded both personal and sectoral sanctions. In December 2021, the fifth package was adopted following the onset of the migration crisis , targeting the border command, airlines, travel agencies, and large state-owned enterprises. With the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the EU strengthened measures: Belarusian banks were disconnected from SWIFT, the import of euros was banned, cargo transit restricted, and trade restrictions expanded on oil, potash, timber, metals, and dual-use technologies. Illustrative photo In 2023, a period began for harmonizing trade sanctions against the Lukashenko regime and Russia to close the “loophole”  that allowed the Kremlin to bypass restrictions imposed on Russia due to its aggression against Ukraine via Belarus at minimal cost. This process began in August 2023, when the EU adopted a package of sectoral economic sanctions. The EU prohibited the export of certain goods and technologies contributing to the country’s military-technical development. New personal sanctions were also imposed, affecting 38 individuals, including security officials and propagandists, as well as three Belarusian companies: Belneftekhim, BMZ Holding Company (management company of BMK), and Minsk Electrical Engineering Plant named after V. I. Kozlov. The next step was the package of July 1, 2024, which further expanded the harmonization of trade restrictions. By early 2025, nearly 90% of trade sanctions between the Lukashenko regime and Russia were harmonized. At the same time, the EU adopted several packages of personal sanctions against judges, officials, and propagandists of the regime—in August and December 2024. The last package of EU personal sanctions was adopted in March 2025. Over the past two years, we have regularly submitted proposals for improving sanctions and expanding sanction lists both to EU supranational bodies and to the governments of EU member states , as well as to the governments of other democratic countries (USA, UK, Canada, Ukraine, etc.). These proposals were sent to the EU’s authorized bodies (both the European Commission and the Directorate-General for External Relations), the UK, USA, Canada, all EU countries, Ukraine, and others—over 100 letters in total. These proposals were communicated in writing, and our joint positions were presented during in-person meetings and visits, including during the Belarus–USA Strategic Dialogue, the Belarus–EU Advisory Group , meetings with the EU Special Representative on Sanctions David O’Sullivan, and with ambassadors and representatives of the foreign ministries of the EU, USA, Canada, Ukraine, etc. We formulated a position on the need to harmonize sanctions regarding Russia and Belarus, which was sent to EU leadership, as well as to all foreign ministers of EU member states and their representatives in Brussels. This position was also communicated to the US Secretary of State. Sanctions for political prisoners and EU personal sanctions were also introduced based on our proposals in August 2023 and 2024, and in March 2025. Dozens of judges  (August 2023—19 judges; August 2024—13 judges; March 2025—another 9 judges), heads of the regime’s prisons  (9 in August 2023; 5 in August 2024), and propagandists  (4 in August 2023—Gigin, Lebedeva, Pustovoy—and 4 in August 2024, including Akulovich and Zhuk) were added to the lists. We prepared these proposals. Based on our proposals, part of the regime’s Central Election Commission leadership  (7 individuals) was sanctioned by the EU in March 2025. In March 2025, Oleg Romanov, a prominent supporter of the “Russian World” ideology in Belarus and former leader of the “Belaya Rus” party, was also sanctioned. To date, the EU has sanctioned 314 individuals and 58 legal entities . During a meeting with EU Special Representative on Sanctions David O’Sullivan in Brussels on December 11, 2023,  we raised the issue of evasion of existing sanctions, including those related to Russia via Belarusian banks and other banks in third countries, as well as through the Bank of Russia’s Financial Messaging System (SPFS) . Mr. O’Sullivan expressed interest in this aspect of sanction evasion, and on January 11, 2024, we sent him analytical materials on this payment system, its role in sanction evasion, and a list of banks using it in Belarus. We also communicated our position on this issue to our European partners in Germany, France, Poland, and other EU countries. As a result, in June 2024, the Russian SWIFT analogue, SPFS, was included under EU anti-Russian sanctions. For its use in evading sanctions, Belgazprombank and Bank BelVEB were included under European restrictions in February 2025. Besides the EU, from 2020 to 2024, the USA imposed strict personal, financial, and sectoral sanctions against the Lukashenko regime: officials, banks, petrochemical and defense enterprises, the dictator’s private aircraft, and other key sectors were blocked . The US SDN list currently includes 105 legal entities and over 100 individuals. After the war in Ukraine began, measures were intensified, with large banks, security structures, and hundreds of goods and companies added to export controls. We also ensured that all of Lukashenko’s aircraft were sanctioned. Formally state-owned, they are used personally by Lukashenko. His aircraft were added to the US SDN list (the second-to-last was sanctioned in August 2024, and the final one—plane No. 1—on August 9, 2024). Additional sanctions were adopted by allies based on our proposals: Canada targeted judges, banks, military, and defense enterprises; the UK targeted banks and certain economic sectors. A key priority for us was sanctions related to the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children . Based on collected evidence of specific individuals’ involvement, the EU, USA, and Canada imposed sanctions on Aleksey Talay (February 23, 2024—EU) and his foundation, BRSM and its leader Alexander Lukyanov (14th Russian sanctions package), and the State Secretary of the Union State of Belarus and Russia Dmitry Mezentsev (EU—June 2024)—all implicated in the war crime of illegally transferring Ukrainian children. Besides the USA and EU, 18 other countries, including the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia, imposed sanctions . Nearly all export sectors, over 200 individuals, and major state enterprises were targeted. The World Bank and EBRD also suspended financing for Belarus. Overall, for the EU, USA, Canada, and Ukraine, we proposed personal sanctions against 360 individuals , including senior military-political leaders of the Lukashenko regime who facilitated Russia’s aggression against Ukraine (21), judges issuing illegal sentences  (102 ), heads of colonies and prisons  holding political prisoners (17), propagandists  inciting interethnic hostility and spreading disinformation (44), members of the so-called National Assembly  passing discriminatory and unlawful legislation (172), sports officials  persecuting athletes (36), and others. We also prepared a list with justification for 13 Belarusian defense enterprises, 19 banks, and major propaganda outlets  (ONT, STV, Belarus Segodnya publishing house), which was sent to the EU and the vast majority of EU, US, UK, Canada, and other countries. We prepared and proposed sanctions to our partners against officials and institutions of the Union State , which act as instruments of Russia’s imperial policy toward Belarus. For the migration crisis, we developed sanctions proposals targeting the leadership of the Border Committee and restricting supplies of goods produced by political prisoners. Analytical notes were prepared analyzing the effects of current sanctions and proposals with minimal side effects. We do not idealize or exaggerate the sanctions tool, but it is a real, substantial, and serious factor affecting the regime, which works and should work to compel Lukashenko to partially change his policies. Our priority in sanctions policy is to continue this work until Lukashenko changes his internal repressive and external aggressive policies. Our main goal is an independent, free, democratic Belarus, without political prisoners or political repression. We will continue our work to maximize sanctions effectiveness and minimize side effects. Our future plans include: continuing preparation of justifications for including enterprise leaders, judges, propagandists, and so-called “deputies” in sanction lists; advocating for the maintenance and further harmonization of existing restrictions to promote political change in Belarus and prevent the regime from supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; preparing video materials and explanatory texts about judges, propagandists, individuals, and organizations supporting repression in Belarus and aggression in Ukraine, as well as the harm of counter-sanctions to Belarusian society; monitoring the effectiveness of implemented measures and regularly submitting proposals to adjust sanctions. Media engagement Scale-up We have consistently expanded the social media presence of Pavel Latushka and the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), adding the social media platforms of The Faction “Latushka’s Team and Movement for Freedom,” thereby increasing the number of channels from 11 to 21. Sustainability 2021 — The figures were recorded inconsistently due to the lack of systematic analytics of media performance 2022 — 136M 2023 — 186M 2024 — 162M 2025 — 177M Despite the overall trend of declining audience engagement and reduced viewership, our social media platforms continue to remain popular and to develop further. Focus on Belarus Priority area: ensuring sustainable reach and engagement with audiences inside belarus as a key vector of our activities. Statistics for 2025: Total views: 17.3M with 67.7% from Belarus Total views: 28.8M around 80% from Belarus Total views: 10.2M more than 50% from Belarus International influence Our voice on the global stage: Interviews with leading international media outlets: BBC, Le Monde, Gazeta Wyborcza, Reuters, Der Spiegel, Associated Press, Euronews X (Twitter): Over 5.5 million views per year Two dedicated channels for Polish audiences: YouTube and TikTok Selected Outputs Campaigns Campaign “Putin’s Puppet, Alexander Lukashenko, Must Be Punished” Campaign “Belarus — an Occupied Country” Campaign “Not a Cent for War” Conferences and Round Tables Conference “Universal Jurisdiction Mechanisms: General Approaches and Application in the Republic of Poland” Round table “Paths Out of the Political Crisis in Belarus: Lessons from the Polish Round Table” Round table “Polish-Belarusian Dialogue on Solidarity: Historical Traditions and Contemporary Challenges of Polish Migration Policy” Film Feature-length documentary film “The Belarusian Trial” An original documentary produced by the National Anti-Crisis Management. New formats “The Regime’s Shapeshifters”  — a video investigation series exposing the crimes of Aliaksandr Lukashenko and his inner circle across various sectors. Shapeshifters in Robes.” Film One The Central Election Circus: Lukashenko Gets Another Term “Shapeshifters in Robes.” Film Two “Belarus in the Grip of War”  — a three-part documentary exploring the systematic preparations by the regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenko for potential entry into the war on Russia’s side. Entering the Kremlin’s Orbit:  Militarization and Integration The Transformation of Society: Preparing for War at Every Level The Price of Silence: Preventing a Catastrophe NAM Analytical Center The uniqueness of NAM's expertise lies in the fact that we employ specialists who have extensive experience working within the public administration system, including various ministries and departments of Belarus, as well as local governments. This allows them to possess insider knowledge of the regime system. We have prepared the following reports: “The Role of the Lukashenko Regime and the Union State in the Program for the Illegal Deportation and Re-education of Children from Ukraine.” “The Union State as a Cover Instrument for Russia's Imperial Policy.” ( link to the document ) “Systemic Discrimination, Human Rights Violations, and Political Repression by the Lukashenko Regime Against Belarusian Citizens Living Abroad and Ways to Overcome it.”  “Sanctions Pressure on the Lukashenko Regime (2020-2023)“ ( link to the document ) Analytical Report "Systematic Preparation by the Lukashenko Regime for Possible Entry into the War on Russia’s Side and Recommendations for Preventing This Scenario" ( link to the document ) Joint report of BELPOL and the National Anti-Crisis Management “Children without a future: the militarization of childhood in Belarus” ( link to the document ) The regime’s reaction Cybersecurity center of the Republican Unitary Enterprise “NCOT”. Photo: ntec.by How the Regime Reacts: Designation of Pages as “Extremist,” Blockades, and Shadow Restrictions Examples (over the past year): YouTube channel repeatedly added to the list of extremist materials; Facebook page twice designated as “extremist”; Telegram channel of the faction in the Coordination Council “Team Latushka & Movement for Freedom” blocked Availability of the TikTok channel in Belarus has been temporarily blocked. Why the regime reacts: They see a threat in the truth and an alternative perspective. Conclusion: The harder they fight us, the clearer it becomes: we are doing the right thing. Future We plan to further strengthen and expand our media operations. A key priority is increasing our reach among Belarusians inside Belarus by at least 5% , despite the highly restrictive and repressive information environment. We will invest in new formats and forms of engagement to better reach and involve our audience. This includes the production of short documentary-style videos and films  exposing regime propaganda, documenting human rights violations, and highlighting Aliaksandr Lukashenko’s actions aimed at preparing Belarus for participation in war. Through these efforts, we aim to deepen audience engagement, strengthen resilience against disinformation, and reinforce understanding of democratic change inside Belarus and internationally. Sustainable strategy Lobbying for the legalisation of Belarusians in forced exile (visas, identity documents, access to education, pensions, bank accounts, access to professions, and related issues) Support for cultural and social initiatives The National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) as a driving force of the institutionalisation of Belarusian democratic forces Vision of the Future Belarus:  reforms, talent pool for a future democratic Belarus,  and international partners Working environment and risks Family members and close relatives of all NAM participants  are subjected to persecution by the Lukashenko regime The majority of team members face in absentia criminal cases  and regular threats Multiple criminal investigations in Poland  have been initiated related to: attempted assassination of Pavel Latushka attempted recruitment and attacks against NAM members A continuous disinformation and discreditation campaign  is conducted against the team Despite these conditions, all NAM members work on a full-time, professional basis  NAM activities are not voluntary side engagement , but a mission grounded in responsibility and belief in democratic change Strategic path forward Members of the NAM team prepare: Draft decisions of the Cabinet and oversee their implementation; Draft resolutions of the Coordination Council and manage their execution; Amendments to relevant resolutions and additions to documents adopted by the PACE and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The National Anti-Crisis Management is a unique expert team that makes a significant contribution to the activities of Belarusian democratic forces. We don’t just talk — we take action. Structure Document on the Structure of Democratic Forces of Belarus / The Structure of Democratic Forces of Belarus. Source: tsikhanouskaya.org The structure of the democratic forces is built on the principles of trust, transparency, and mutual accountability. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, as the national leader, appoints representatives to the Cabinet and coordinates these appointments with the Coordination Council. Cabinet representatives carry out their duties through sectoral representations. The Coordination Council is elected through direct elections based on a proportional system. It elects a speaker from among its members and establishes commissions.

Pavel Latushka. Photo: UTC Media Details of the court hearing in the case of the attack on Pavel Latushka have become known. Here is what the politician himself said: "The District Court for Warsaw-Śródmieście informed me that on 5 March 2026 a hearing will take place to consider the bill of indictment submitted by the District Prosecutor’s Office of Warsaw, seeking a verdict in the case of Yauhen Kazantsev. This concerns the attack committed on 2 July 2025 during an official event marking the 35th anniversary of the Centre for East European Studies of the University of Warsaw. Yauhen Kazantsev during his detention. Warsaw, Poland, 2025. Photo: Reform.news Yauhen Kazantsev has been charged under Article 212 §1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Poland (defamation), as well as Article 217 §1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Poland (violation of physical integrity). The attack took place against the background of threats to my life and health that had been received earlier in written correspondence, as well as immediately after disinformation statements publicly disseminated by the dictator Lukashenko on 1 July 2025 concerning me".

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. "I am Belarusian and proud of it.  I can open my soul to everyone:  Never and nowhere will I renounce  The fact that I lived and will live as a Belarusian!" With these lines from the poem "I am Belarusian" by the famous Belarusian from the Podlasie region, Viktar Shved , Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Coordination Council, opened his speech during the gala concert of "Belarusian Song — 2026" in Białystok. Poland, Białystok, 2026. Photo: NAM-media The festival and gala concert "Belarusian Song — 2026"  were organized by the Belarusian Social and Cultural Association in Poland. During his speech, Pavel Latushka  emphasized that Belarusians have lived in the Podlasie region for centuries and are an integral part of Polish society. He noted it is extremely important that they remember their Heritage: their roots, their home, and where they come from; that they preserve traditions, love for their native land, and their mother language. The Deputy Head of the Cabinet thanked the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland, the Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, and the Mayor of Białystok for their support of Belarusian culture in Podlasie, while stating: "I hope that as soon as possible, the Polish minority in a free Belarus will have the opportunity to develop and preserve its own culture." Pavel Latushka  recalled that he first came here 30 years ago, in the summer of 1996, as a young vice-consul: "That was when I first visited the holy Mount Grabarka — it was my first trip outside of Białystok. Later, I visited here as an Ambassador and as the Minister of Culture of Belarus, but more importantly, simply as a Belarusian. Thanks to you, I felt the importance of 'Belarusianness' even more deeply. You were and remain an example for me of how one should love the native word and native culture." Pavel Latushka  established a financial award for one of the winners of the XXXIII All-Polish Festival "Belarusian Song — 2026," which was presented to Viktoryja Gac , a talented young woman from Bielsk Podlaski. She won first place at the festival with her original song,  "Our History" . On the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Belarusian Social and Cultural Association — the oldest organization of the Belarusian minority in Europe  — Pavel Latushka  expressed sincere gratitude to its representatives for their work in the field of Belarusian heritage: "For decades, you have preserved our identity and inspired thousands of Belarusians not to forget their native language and culture." In his welcoming remarks, Pavel Latushka  emphasized: "It is extremely important that Belarusian culture in the Białystok region does not merely remain a memory, but continues to live. It is being passed on to the younger generation, and the Belarusian folklore movement is flourishing, uniting the past with the future. 'The Belarusian has lived and shall live!' wrote the Belarusian bard Yanka Kupala. And we will live as long as our culture lives. I thank you for the fact that Belarusian culture has lived with dignity on Polish soil for centuries and enriches Polish society, filling our hearts with spirituality and warmth."

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: facebook.com/zelenskyy.official On 18 February 2026, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree introducing personal sanctions against Aleksandr Lukashenko. Earlier, sanctions against Lukashenko had already been imposed by the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and New Zealand. As noted by the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka:"Ukraine’s sanctions personally against Lukashenka are an important political signal to the regime, as well as a sign of support for the activities of the democratic forces aimed at achieving democratic change in Belarus. Ukraine once again confirms that this person is not the lawful and legitimate President of Belarus. The Ukrainian side also recognises his role in crimes committed by him personally and by representatives of his regime, including the crime of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity". Pavel Latushka also stressed that Ukraine officially confirms the involvement of officials of the Lukashenka regime and the dictator himself in the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children. The National Anti-Crisis Management had previously submitted two relevant communications with a large body of evidence to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. "We have also collected and, with the assistance of our Lithuanian partners, transferred materials to bring Lukashenka to justice for crimes against humanity, and we are now consolidating relevant materials proving the involvement of the Lukashenka regime in aggression against Ukraine for the special tribunal that is being established", Pavel Latushka noted. In addition, the Ukrainian side points to several other factors justifying sanctions against the dictator. Among them is the participation of more than 3,000 Belarusian enterprises in cooperation with the Russian military-industrial complex. It is also specifically noted that in the second half of 2025, infrastructure for controlling strike drones was deployed, which is used to coordinate attacks on Ukrainian territory. Kyiv also points to supplies of Western components and other equipment through Belarus that may be used for military purposes in circumvention of sanctions restrictions. As early as 9 September 2024, Pavel Latushka sent a relevant appeal to the Adviser and Commissioner of the President of Ukraine on sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, proposing support for the harmonisation of trade sanctions against the Lukashenka regime and Russia. As Pavel Latushka stated today:"Vladyslav Vlasiuk publicly supported the idea of bringing closer sanctions approaches toward the two regimes. In addition, among the measures we proposed to the Ukrainian side are strengthening transit restrictions and expanding trade sanctions. We will initiate and submit to the Ukrainian side proposals on introducing additional sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, and we are also interested in cooperation to lobby for relevant sanctions decisions within the European Union. Regarding the deployment in Belarus of the intermediate-range missiles ‘Oreshnik’, we, like the Ukrainian side, believe that such actions increase regional security threats and make Belarus a target for a possible retaliatory strike", the Belarusian politician noted. "We are interested in expanding cooperation with official Kyiv on achieving accountability for Lukashenka for the war crime of the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children, for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, and we also count on support for our efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against humanity within the framework of the International Criminal Court, taking into account that Ukraine is already a member of the ICC", Pavel Latushka concluded.

The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus considers it necessary to provide a principled political assessment of recent statements by official representatives of the Russian Federation, which may indicate preparations for the final elimination of our country’s sovereignty. Public remarks by the Press Bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia on February 9 and by the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Maria Zakharova, on February 12, 2026, contain undisguised threats to use " all available forces and means ",  including the nuclear arsenal, to control the internal political situation in the Republic of Belarus. The Russian side’s assertion that it will " not stand idly by "  while political processes unfold in our state constitutes a direct threat to national security and signals the Kremlin’s shift toward a policy of open dictate. Such statements represent a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Belarus and an unprecedented signal of Russia’s complete disregard for the sovereign right of the Belarusian people to determine their own future. By arrogating to itself the authority to assess the legitimacy of Belarusian political actors and the effectiveness of the “cleansing” of civil society, Moscow demonstrates that it views Belarus not as an independent state, but as its own military foothold and a zone of occupation-based influence. We emphasize: it is precisely the imperial policy of the Russian Federation and its determination to entrench Belarus in the status of a rightless satellite that today constitute the principal threat to our country’s sovereignty and independence. Years of the Aliaksandr Lukashenko regime's policies detrimental to the people have brought Belarus to this critical brink. In order to retain personal power, he has deliberately and systematically traded away state sovereignty, allowed foreign intelligence services to influence matters of internal security, and turned Belarus into a hostage of the Kremlin’s aggressive plans. The current situation — in which the fate of Belarusian elections and the constitutional order is openly discussed in the offices of Russian security structures — is the direct result of Lukashenko’s betrayal of national interests. At a time when the Russian Federation is expressing an active intention to interfere in Belarus’s internal affairs, including by military means, the United Transitional Cabinet reaffirms its unwavering position: the only effective response to external aggression can be internal unity and the restoration of the Belarusian people’s political agency. We once again call on representatives of the functioning Belarusian authorities who recognize the existential threat of losing statehood to begin a constructive dialogue in the format of a Round Table. A way out of the deep political crisis, an end to repression, and a return to the rule of law are necessary steps toward creating a unified national front to defend the independence of the Republic of Belarus. The future of our state must be determined exclusively by the citizens of Belarus within democratic procedures. Any attempts at foreign interference under the guise of " security guarantees "  are in fact acts of aggression, and those who facilitate such interference must be held accountable. Long live Belarus! Warsaw, February 12, 2026

Pavel Latushka. Photo: UTC "When Belarusians determine their own destiny, the Kremlin loses the pseudo-legal pretexts for interfering in the internal affairs of Belarus — pretexts created with the support of the dictator Lukashenko,"  noted Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the NAM, while commenting on the Cabinet's adopted statement regarding the aggressive intentions of the Russian Federation to interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus. "The sovereignty of Belarus is not a bargaining chip between Lukashenko and Moscow, which remains the primary source of threat to our sovereignty. The fate of Belarus must be determined by Belarusians. Today, Russia is not a 'guarantor,' but the main threat to our independence. The statements by the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation regarding the use of 'all means', including threats of nuclear weapons, to interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus are unacceptable and impermissible. However, the blame for this situation lies with Lukashenko: for the sake of retaining power, he signed treasonous agreements that give the Kremlin a formal 'hook' for nuclear blackmail and the deployment of troops. In our statement, we address three main audiences: Belarusian Society.  We must soberly understand: the threat of losing statehood is extremely acute. And it does not come from the West, but from the East. The International Community.  We are documenting this act of Russia’s aggressive policy so that our partners understand: any potential steps by the Kremlin to 'stabilize' the situation in Belarus constitute interference in our country's internal affairs. The Functional Belarusian Authorities.  Those within the system who still retain remnants of state-oriented thinking. We are showing them: Lukashenko is leading our country toward the loss of statehood, and they themselves toward the status of collaborators in a Russian province. The only way to avoid this is through national dialogue using the instrument of a Round Table . According to closed research data, the idea of a Round Table was supported by 44% of Belarusians at the very beginning of our communication. Today, as the topic becomes more prominent in the information space, this figure will certainly grow. Belarusians want a peaceful exit from the crisis. It is logical to view the recent statements by the SVR and Zakharova as, in part, an indirect reaction to our idea. For our eastern neighbor, it is unacceptable for Belarusians to reach an agreement among themselves. Because when Belarusians determine their own destiny, the Kremlin loses the pseudo-legal pretexts for interference created with the support of the dictator Lukashenko. The 'security guarantees' agreement signed by Lukashenko will not function in the event of an internal political agreement. The Round Table is not just a 'conversation,' but effectively a powerful technology for defending our sovereignty. An agreement within Belarusian society provides Russia with significantly fewer pretexts for an armed intervention on Belarusian territory — an intervention whose possibility was formalized in the so-called 'security guarantees' treaty between Belarus and Russia," stated Pavel Latushka .

Theses of the speech by Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and recipient of the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize, at the official events during the award ceremony of the Poland–Lithuania Cooperation and Dialogue Forum and the Jerzy Giedroyc Dialogue and Cooperation Forum. Ladies and Gentlemen! Your Excellencies! Distinguished organizers and members of the Chapter! Dear laureates and friends! This year has been declared the Year of Jerzy Giedroyc by the Senate of Poland. This is not merely a tribute to the memory of a great thinker; it is a moment of truth for our entire region. For us Belarusians, Jerzy Giedroyc is particularly close — for he was born in our native Minsk, and his vision of a free Belarus was an integral part of his European dream. Jerzy Giedroyc said that without a free Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus, there is no free Poland. Today, in the Year of Giedroyc, these words resonate like a prophecy. The expansion of this award to scholars and researchers from Belarus during this difficult time for my country is a signal that the Europe of Giedroyc does not end at the Bug River. Belarus is not the dictator; it is the people who choose Europe. Thank you for your solidarity, which is our most powerful common weapon. Giedroyc dreamed of a space of freedom where Belarus, Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine are not just neighbors, but a single geopolitical organism united by common values. Today, we see how Ukraine is paying in blood for this dream. As the former Permanent Representative of Belarus to UNESCO, I will never forget the emotions I felt when visiting Giedroyc’s home in Maisons-Laffitte near Paris — the moment I first held the legendary "Kultura" in my hands. It was a great honor for me to personally know past laureates of this Prize — Their Excellencies President Lech Kaczyński and President Valdas Adamkus. These are leaders whose visionary leadership continues to demonstrate to us the importance of freedom today. For the first time this year, this prize has been extended to representatives of democratic Belarus. I sincerely congratulate Professor Alyaksandr Smalyanchuk. Mr. Smalyanchuk, your work in reclaiming our true history is the foundation of our dignity. Your award is a sign that Belarus is Europe, and Europe recognizes this, refusing to accept a new "Iron Curtain" along the Bug. Dear friends! As a laureate of the Lech Wałęsa Prize — the legendary leader of "Solidarity" and a man who played a leading role in the dismantling of the communist empire in Europe — I believe in the power of unity and collective resistance. Today, we need solidarity more than ever. We understand: as long as Belarus remains in the hands of a dictator, the security of the entire region will be under threat. But Belarus is not Lukashenko. Belarus is the people who, in 2020, made their irreversible European choice. Maciej Radziwiłł, who has also received this award, knows: our nations have always triumphed when they stood together. We are the descendants of the Grand Duchy and the Rzeczpospolita. Our intellectual code is freedom. Thank you, Poland and Lithuania, for your faithfulness to the testament of Giedroyc. We will return Belarus to our common European home. There is no other way. Long Live Belarus! For our freedom and yours! Glory to Ukraine!

Illustrative photo "We are making efforts to ensure that all cases are resolved fairly and in accordance with current regulations, while simultaneously seeking solutions to improve the performance of our services,"  states the official response from the Podlaskie Voivodeship Office to the appeal by Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the NAM. In his appeal, he highlighted alarming signals from Belarusians regarding a significant slowdown in the processes for legalizing their stay in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. In his appeal to the Podlaskie Voivodeship Office, Pavel Latushka  emphasized that according to official data published on the migracje.gov.pl   portal at the end of January 2026, there is a sharp decline in the number of decisions issued regarding the legalization of stay in Poland's Podlaskie Voivodeship.  For example, while Belarusian citizens received approximately 6.3 thousand residence permits in Białystok in 2023, this number dropped to fewer than 2 thousand in 2025 . It was also noted that according to public information, at the end of 2025, the Office was processing applications submitted as far back as February 2025, and the waiting time just for an invitation to submit fingerprints now exceeds one year. "For many Belarusian citizens fleeing repression and seeking safe haven in Poland, such prolonged legal uncertainty is an enormous life burden," Pavel Latushka  noted in the appeal. The Deputy Head of the Cabinet emphasized that this situation is causing particular concern within the Belarusian community. He presented the Podlaskie Voivode with a petition signed by more than 550 people expressing deep concern over the crisis in the field of services for foreigners. In its response, the Podlaskie Voivodeship Office noted: "The Voivode takes the challenges you presented with the utmost seriousness. The difficult procedural situation is the result of a significant increase in the number of applications in recent years, which places a heavy burden on the Office... I wish to assure you that the Bureau of the Podlaskie Voivode remains at your disposal regarding the provision of information and clarification of current issues related to administrative procedures." "I am grateful to the Polish side for their openness and communication regarding complex issues, especially in the area of legalizing Belarusians in Poland who were forced to leave Belarus due to the repressive domestic policies of the Lukashenko regime. We will continue communication with both the central authorities of Poland and local ones to advocate for the swiftest possible resolution of the problematic issues Belarusians face in Poland today," noted Pavel Latushka .

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Representative of the Cabinet for the Transition of Power, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Leader of the "Latushka Team and the Movement 'For Freedom'" faction within the 3rd convocation of the Coordination Council. Watch the full interview of Pavel Latushka with Deutsche Welle Belarus in the video . "First, the regime must begin a dialogue with society, with democratic forces. Only then can we speak of any agreements between Brussels and Minsk,"  stated the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the NAM, Pavel Latushka , in an interview with the German broadcaster "Deutsche Welle Belarus" during a visit to Berlin. "Lukashenko only understands the language of force, and he reacts only when there is genuine pressure that personally affects him, his ego, and, certainly, the economy. The fact that hundreds of political prisoners have been released recently is largely the result of the sanctions resource that has been accumulated over the years... Pressure in itself is necessary, and it is already working. I am convinced that it is primarily what will influence the release of subsequent groups of political prisoners." Regarding possible negotiations between the EU and the Lukashenko regime, Pavel Latushka  noted: "Lukashenko has made deals before, and in exchange, the European Union moved toward softening its policy and lifting sanctions in return for a degree of liberalization. But Lukashenko has always unilaterally violated these agreements. This has happened at least five times in the history of his regime's existence. It is impossible to trust him. He is a person who will deceive once again. Therefore, Belarusian society must be included in this process: civil structures and democratic forces, who will act as a guarantor that this time Lukashenko will not succeed in deceiving the EU." Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel Latushka at a meeting with the NAM team. Warsaw, 2026. Photo: NAM Media "We propose a two-track strategy. On one hand, we understand and highly value what the US is doing. They are securing the release of people, saving lives. This is the most important task for us. It is vital that the US continues this communication, releases all political prisoners, and achieves an end to the repressions. Meanwhile, the European Union, in response to Lukashenko's intentions regarding the normalization of relations, must set conditions. First, the regime must start a dialogue with society and democratic forces. Only then can we speak about any agreements between Brussels and Minsk. No agreements should be allowed without our participation. We are a stakeholder. We have earned this right, and we will defend it,"  emphasized Pavel Latushka . During the interview, Pavel Latushka  also noted the importance of Germany and leading EU countries supporting the idea of a national dialogue in Belarus through the instrument of a "round table" to exit the deep internal political crisis. He highlighted that there are positive examples of using such an instrument in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and other countries. "It is impossible to simply copy a situation and transfer it to today's reality. But if such a lobbyist — a powerful state like Germany — proposes such an approach, or if you will, a condition, for the Lukashenko regime, it will be very difficult for the regime to refuse,"  noted Pavel Latushka .

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Representative of the Cabinet for the Transition of Power, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Leader of the "Latushka Team and the Movement 'For Freedom'" faction within the 3rd convocation of the Coordination Council. For the past several years, we have lived in a state of confrontation. A confrontation that simply would not exist if one person had not decided that his power was worth any sacrifice — mass terror, a split in society, the destruction of normal relations with all neighbors except Russia, complicity in war, isolation, and economic stagnation. And today, looking at the state Belarus is in, we must ask ourselves one honest question: where has this led? Has anyone's life improved? Has the state become stronger? Has the people become happier? The answer is obvious. The crisis does not resolve itself — it only deepens, dragging the country into a whirlpool from which it will be harder to escape with each passing year. At the same time, it is important to understand that we did not attack first. We were defending the right of Belarusians to be masters of their own land. Just as in 2020, we initially proposed a dialogue. Back then, the system responded with violence and terror, choosing the path of force. But look at the result: where has it led? To isolation? To the loss of sovereignty to Moscow? To a constant fear of one's own people? Even today, after everything that has happened, we are not attacking. Once again, as we did five years ago, we are proposing a dialogue. And this is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of responsibility for the future of Belarus. That is precisely why today I want to ask several questions to those who are inside the current system of power. To those who make decisions daily in ministerial offices or carry out orders in the security structures.

Pavel Latushka. Photo: NAM-media The former political prisoner wrote  on his Facebook page about his acquaintance with the former Minister of Culture, former Director of the Kupalauski Theater, and current Deputy to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. "Pavel Latushka was Belarusian from the very beginning, not Lukashenka's," he writes. Original article: nashaniva.com "In the early 2000s, at a diplomatic reception in Minsk, I — then the chairman of the Malady Front — approached Pavel Latushka . I knew that he was perhaps the only prominent civil servant who consistently spoke Belarusian on principle. I thanked him for his 'Belarusianness' and asked if he hoped to change the Lukashenko system from within. Pavel Latushka  replied that we all dream of the same independent, democratic, and Belarusian Belarus, and that he was trying to pursue that path. Screenshot of the post published on Pavel Seviarynets' personal page 'Pash, how can you support a former Lukashenko official?' people sometimes say to me now. But Pavel Latushka  was Belarusian from the very beginning, not Lukashenka's. Like the national-communists of the 1920s, Pavel Latushka  did everything he could for Belarus from within the system — dignifiedly representing Belarus in countries around the world and international organizations in the Belarusian language, pushing through the grand 'Castles of Belarus' program, and saving Belarusian culture from the Soviet mentality and Moscow. The Kupalauski Theater in August 2020. Photo source: Nasha Niva In 2020, it was Pavel Latushka  who raised the flag to unite all officials who disagreed with Lukashenko — and that flag, of course, was the white-red-white. He went through threats, assassination attempts, and provocations — and continues to unite Belarusian proto-state structures as a high-class team player. For Pavel Latushka , 'team' is a key concept, and for Belarusians, that is a valuable rarity. Over several years, Pavel Latushka  has gathered a team of specialists capable of replacing the core of the state apparatus of Belarus when a 'window of opportunity' opens. And I believe there is currently no better alternative for the position of the first Prime Minister of a free, democratic, and independent Belarus,"  wrote Pavel Seviarynets.