The issue of the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children remains prominent in the media. On New Year's Eve, several reports dedicated to Lukashenko’s involvement in the war crime, as well as to the documents prepared and submitted to the ICC by the NAM team, were published. The Associated Press “Pavel Latushka, a former Belarusian culture minister turned opposition activist who has presented the ICC with evidence of Lukashenko’s alleged involvement in the unlawful deportation of the children, said the arrival of a new group from Russia-occupied territories ‘underlines the need for the ICC to investigate those crimes’.” A Referência “The statements made at Thursday's event clearly target Lukashenko at the ICC, which is already facing pressure from humanitarian groups and Western governments to convict the Belarusian president, just as it happened to Putin.” Pryamyi “According to a recent study conducted by Yale University, over 2,400 Ukrainian children between the ages of 6 and 17 were brought to Belarus from four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russian forces.” Mirror of the Week “Despite international condemnation over Belarus's involvement in the deportation of Ukrainian children, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko openly participated in a government-sponsored meeting on Thursday, December 28, with children brought from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.” Vostochnyi variant “Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko attended a government-organized meeting with children brought from Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine on Thursday.” Delovaya stolitsa “Pavel Latushka stated that the arrival of a new group of children from the temporarily occupied territories ‘underscores the need for the ICC to investigate these crimes’.” Glavcom “During an event commemorating the arrival of a new group of deported Ukrainian children on New Year's Eve, the Belarusian dictator cynically promised to ‘embrace these children, provide them warmth, and make their childhood happier’.” The world media continues to highlight Lukashenko's role in the illegal movement of Ukrainian children.

In his interview for the Voice of America, Pavel Latushka highlighted the deepening crisis concerning fundamental human rights in Belarus. According to the "Index of Human Freedom" compiled by the Cato Institute research center (USA) and the Fraser Institute think tank (Canada), Belarus has dropped seven positions over the past year. The index takes into account 86 indicators, including personal, civil, and economic freedoms, security conditions, religious freedom, property rights, and more. In the global Human Freedom Index of 2023, Belarus is ranked 133rd, alongside Nicaragua, Morocco, and Congo. Compared to 2022, the country has lost seven positions, falling from 126th place. The rating compilers note that over the year, the situation in Belarus has deteriorated across all three indicators - personal, social, and economic freedom. Based on these indicators, the policies of the Minsk regime have pushed Belarus to the bottom of the world rankings. In comparison, neighboring countries like Latvia (15th place), Lithuania (17th place), and Poland (47th place) have much higher rankings. Ukraine is ranked 83rd, while Russia is ranked 121st. The current Human Freedom Index assesses the situation in 185 countries and territories, covering 98.8% of the world's population. "Why is the international community not addressing the fact that a Nobel Peace Laureate has been sentenced to 10 years in prison?" Pavel Latushka, the Deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, views Belarus's low position in the Human Freedom Index as clear evidence that Lukashenko has effectively dismantled human rights in the country. He describes the situation as catastrophic. Latushka emphasized, “It is impossible to speak of democracy in Belarus when it is governed by a totalitarian and brutal regime that establishes a system of complete control over all societal institutions and individual citizens.” He expressed these views in a conversation with a correspondent from the Voice of America’s Russian service. The opposition figure highlights that Belarus currently holds one of the world's highest numbers of political prisoners. "The Viasna organization recognizes 1,500 political prisoners, but experts believe that this number needs to be multiplied significantly. Many individuals are unrecognized or their imprisonment is unknown. Last year, all opposition political parties in Belarus were dissolved, and over the past year and a half, 1,440 non-governmental organizations that collaborated with Europe, the USA, Canada, Great Britain, and other democratic countries were shut down. There is not a single independent media outlet in Belarus; they have ceased to exist at both the national and regional levels. They all operate from abroad," Pavel Latushka lists. According to the head of the NAM, political prisoners are subjected to daily torture in Belarusian detention facilities, and the fate of many prominent opposition politicians and civil activists remains unknown for several months. "Nobel Peace Laureate Ales Bialiatsky is imprisoned, and I find it incomprehensible that the world remains silent about this! Why is the international community not discussing the fact that a Nobel Peace Laureate has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and is enduring terrible conditions?" exclaims the Voice of America's interviewee. Furthermore, he asserts that the political, social, and societal repressions enforced by the Minsk regime are extending into the economic realm. "For instance, individual entrepreneurs have been unable to register in Belarus for over a year and a half. There are hundreds of Belarusian businessmen imprisoned, taxes are rising, and an increasing number of economic sectors require licensing. All of these factors contribute to a significant outflow of Belarusians. According to data from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, published in May of last year, between 250,000 and 500,000 Belarusians have left the country in the past three years," cites the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet as evidence. Pavel Latushka emphasizes that the worsening situation in Belarus poses a threat to the entire world. He explains, "Previously, in free world countries, human rights were a priority, and it was inconceivable that a situation like present-day Belarus could exist in principle. However, many countries now adopt the mindset of 'Well, this is happening somewhere far away, and it doesn't concern us.' Yet, when such a complacent stance prevails, it could unexpectedly emerge within these democratic countries tomorrow. Western societies will then face the same problems," warns Pavel Latushka. Regarding Russia's higher ranking in the global Index of Human Freedom compared to Belarus, Pavel Latushka attributes it to the fact that political repression in Belarus started earlier and is more severe. "For instance, according to Memorial, there are 87 political prisoners in Russia, while according to Viasna, there are 1,500 in Belarus. The population of Russia is 145 million, whereas Belarus has 9 million inhabitants. Belarus has no opposition political parties at all, whereas they still exist in Russia. In Belarus, all independent NGOs have been liquidated, unlike in Russia where they still exist. Therefore, the level of repression in Belarus is incomparable to that of the Russian Federation," asserts Latushka. He further states that while the war against Ukraine was initiated by Russia, the Minsk regime supported the aggression. "In my opinion, the fight for freedom must always continue. The West needs to understand this and not compromise with Lukashenko because, over the course of 30 years, it has become clear where these compromises lead. Today, it is not only the Belarusian people being tested for their future, but also the democratic world and democratic Europe. If Belarusians fail, the democratic West will fail tomorrow. I have no doubt about this. It seems as though the world has given up, merely observing the situation in our country, but dictators only understand the language of force," concludes Pavel Latushka.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Lukashenko cynically stated that the principles of social policy in Belarus are justice, responsibility, and care towards the citizens of the country. Such words from the mouth of the dictator are blasphemy towards Belarusians and a lie in regard to reality. The principle of social justice should imply, among other things, equal opportunities for all categories of citizens in need to receive social security. However, what is happening in Belarus in reality? Through the law "On Amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Payments" dated December 13, 2023, the regime introduces licensing of social services and changes the criteria for determining eligibility to receive them for individuals in need. This law, enacted by Lukashenko, is aimed at gradually dismantling social services for the elderly population. Currently, the country has over 500 thousand citizens aged 75 years and older, and over the past 5 years, the number of recipients of social services has increased by more than 20%. Lukashenko is unwilling to increase the cost of social security for the population and is instead compelled to continually increase payments to those who ensure his illegal hold on power. While Belarus still has state guarantees for social services according to the law, Lukashenko conveniently emphasizes these paper guarantees when discussing a socially oriented state. Previously, the social package for senior citizens in the country was considered largely untouchable and not subject to significant changes. However, for Lukashenko, nothing is sacred when it comes to maintaining his illegitimate power. In his law "On Amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Payments," Lukashenko cynically states that the goals of social services for the population will now focus on "intensifying citizens' own efforts and creating conditions for them to independently overcome difficult life situations." In other words, if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you are expected to overcome it on your own. True social protection of the population exists only in a democratic society where budget spending processes occur openly and transparently. In Belarus, the Lukashenko regime is consistently and purposefully eroding such guarantees from the state for the population.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Political prisoners are not only subjected to torture within Belarusian prisons but also forced into de facto slave labor in numerous enterprises operating within colonies and prisons. The Department of Execution of Punishments under the Lukashenko regime exploits the labor of prisoners in nearly 30 penal colonies across the country, manufacturing a wide range of goods. These include woodworking products, furniture made from wood and metal, spare parts for factories that are currently under sanctions, such as MAZ, BelAZ, MTZ and Gomselmash, metal products, military uniforms, ammunition boxes, and various items for the military-industrial complex. The regime offers these goods for export and sells them through online stores, physical shops, and social media platforms. The sale of prison products involves numerous dealers and intermediaries from both state-run enterprises and private companies. The revenue generated from this so-called Belarusian prison-industrial conveyor belt is substantial, as the regime benefits from practically free labor provided by the prisoners. These proceeds are utilized to finance Lukashenko's grip on power and the implementation of repressive measures. The prison economy operates in utmost secrecy, with the Department of Execution of Punishments’ website remaining outdated since 2020, a decision made by Lukashenko himself. Information regarding the department's foreign economic activities is also carefully concealed. However, there is information about preferential conditions for those wishing to cooperate with DEP. Goods can be purchased from correctional institutions using a single-source procurement procedure or, if purchased at their own expense, without a procurement procedure at all. The foreign economic activities of the Department are now also carefully hidden. In 2019, DEP reported cooperation with companies from over 20 countries. Recently, a significant number of intermediaries have been involved in the sale of products manufactured by prisoners in colonies. These products are relabeled, obscuring their origin. It has become increasingly difficult to determine whether a table, chair, cabinet, or hockey stick was made by prisoners. Even before 2020, relatives of prisoners initiated a public campaign calling on European countries to stop buying goods made through captivity and slave labor. However, after 2020, with the escalation of repression in Belarus and the increased number of political prisoners, reaching 1,500 individuals, the situation worsened. All these prisoners were forced to work in production facilities within the prisons. It is evident that calls alone cannot rectify the situation. It is worth noting that in October 2020 and June 2021, several individuals involved in inhuman and degrading treatment and torture of detainees during protests were included in the EU sanctions list. These individuals include Oleg Matkin, the Head of the Department of Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus, as well as Ivan Myslitsky, Vladislav Mandryk, Oleg Belyakov, and Andrey Dalida, who are Deputy Heads of the Department. Evgeniy Shapetko, the head of Akrestsin, his deputy Gleb Dril, and Dmitry Strebkov, the head of the prison in Zhodino, were put on the international wanted list. However, these measures have not been effective in stopping torture and slave labor in the colonies. The EU imposed sanctions on the trade of timber from Belarus due to its support for the war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, the timber trade continues through alternative routes and with the involvement of new participants in schemes to circumvent sanctions. Additionally, these sanctions have not deterred Lukashenko from supporting Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. He openly flaunts this fact. The limited effectiveness of sanctions is not due to their ineffectiveness. Sanctions do work. The need to find various ways and methods to bypass them and the existence of parallel import mechanisms and other tricks demonstrate this. However, the impact of sanctions is not decisive because they have not been introduced simultaneously in powerful packages. The purpose of sanctions should not only be to deter Lukashenko but also to punish him for his actions. The punishment should be severe enough to create an insurmountable problem for him. The problem of political prisoners can be addressed through comprehensive sanctions. These sanctions should be introduced as a powerful package encompassing all groups of goods for which equivalents are produced by prisoners in the Department of Execution of Punishments. This includes over a thousand items of goods across numerous product groups. Sanctions should be imposed on these product groups to prevent the possibility of replacing product codes and relabeling the manufacturer. This approach would serve as punishment for human rights violations, unlawful convictions for political reasons, and the wrongful imprisonment of thousands of innocent Belarusians. It would also form the basis for demanding the release and rescue of all political prisoners. Lukashenko has callously ignored the calls and demands from heads of state and parliamentarians to cease violence and release political prisoners for over three years. Therefore, it is necessary to impose a powerful package of sanctions rather than mere warnings and appeals. Sanctions are an accessible method of punishment. A  warning can serve as a condition: if new arrests occur, even more powerful sanctions, including an embargo, will be imposed. The condition for lifting the comprehensive sanctions package would be the cessation of violence and the release of all political prisoners.

Pavel Latushkа: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Recent months and events directly related to Viktor Lukashenko give some reason to believe that dictator Alexander Lukashenko has no confidence in maintaining his power and immunity. From September 2023 to December 2023, we will not find any public speeches or meetings of the so-called President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, although Viktor was previously actively present in the media field and regularly spoke to residents of many regions of Belarus. However, after such a long break, Viktor Lukashenko's first public appearance in state media turned out to be unrelated to his position in the NOC and was generally far from sports. Having been absent from the public sphere for a long time, Viktor suddenly appeared at a meeting of dictator Lukashenko in the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by his father and younger brother Nikolai. None of Lukashenko's government members were present at this meeting. What was discussed by "Lukashenko and family"? The answer to the question of why Viktor did not appear in the media and public field for so long is that he was in the Emirates during that time. According to our information, he spent a total of more than six months there, with his last visit lasting almost three months consecutively. The Lukashenko family is the richest family in Belarus, and their wealth is built on the exploitation of Belarusians. That is why they can afford to live in Dubai for several months and purchase an elite residence there. But why? The obvious answer is that it is related to resolving business matters. It is possible that the family may be involved in transferring part of their property to the younger Nikolai. This suggests that the dictator has concerns about his family's money and his own power. Otherwise, why would there be such an urgent need to move all assets to the UAE? No matter how strong and stable the power of dictator Lukashenko may appear to some, in reality, he is creating alternative airfields so that he can fly to the UAE when the need arises.

Pavel Latushka and famous Belarusians have prepared a New Year's greeting that we hope will touch your hearts To be at home. To be close to family, to the closest and dearest people. To be in the Motherland. To be safe. To be free. To be happy. To be healthy. To dream. To believe. These are such simple, ordinary things, but also so precious. And sometimes, they can feel unattainable, especially in our time. But today, let's not dwell on that. Today is a holiday, a celebration of the very simple and precious things that no one can save for us except ourselves. Therefore, my congratulations to all of you, Belarusians, wherever you may be, wherever you are waiting for the clock to strike 12, is this: take care of yourselves. Take care of what you have. Take care of those around you. Take care of all that you have managed to save, even if it isn't much. Treat it as the foundation to rebuild what has been lost when the time comes. Take care to live because as long as we live, hope lives, truth lives, our will lives, and Belarus lives! Please, take care. Take care of each other. Take care of your friends and colleagues. Take care of your family, even if borders separate you. Take care of your freedom and your longing for it. Take care of your home, even if it is temporary. Take care of your identity, your dignity, and your conscience. Take care of what makes you who you are, what makes you Belarusians. Take care of your truth and your consciousness. Take care of love, for it has the power to save the world! Take care and look after those who cannot care for themselves. Take care of your well-being, even if you have to rebuild it from scratch. Take care of your culture and your refined taste. Take care of your native language and your national idea. Take care of yourselves. Take care of Belarus. Take care, Belarus! Happy New year! The following individuals took part in the congratulation together with their loved ones: Pavel Latushka, accompanied by his mother, Valiantsina Vasilyeuna, and his daughter, Yana; Deputies of Pavel Latushka, members of NAM and the United Transitional Cabinet: Ambassador Uladzimir Astapenka, Artsiom Praskalovich, Artsiom Brukhan, and Yury Hubarevich; Blogger Aliaksandr Khanevich, with his son, Aliaksandr; Honored artist of the Republic of Belarus, "Kupalavets" Ihar Sigou, with his wife, Valeryia; Activist Anna Fedaronak, with her daughters, Liza and Alexandra, and her grandchildren, Aryna and Andrei; World Cup kickboxing champion, athlete Ivan Ganin; Master of Belarusian national costumes and TV presenter Katsiaryna Vadanosava, with her son, Yan, and daughter, Stefania; Editor-in-Chief of Reform.by, Fiodar Pauliuchenka, with his wife, Volha, and daughter, Stefania; Yulia Harachaya, head of the NAM media service, with her husband, Kanstantsin, and son, Ulad; Aleh Kulesha with members of the Belarusian Association of Political Prisoners "DA VOLI;" Honored Artist of Belarus Zoya Belakhvostsik and Honored Artist of Belarus Aliaksandr Hartsuyeu; Euroradio editors Zmitser Lukashuk and Pavel Sviardlou; Program director of "Malanka Media" Katsia Pytleva, with her daughter, Mira, and son, Yan; Representative of the APC for defense and national security, reserve lieutenant colonel Valery Sakhashchyk, with his wife, Olga.

What did we manage to do in 2023? ☑️ The NAM team issued the first six international wanted notices for representatives of the Lukashenko regime, including the heads of the Okrestina and Zhodino prisons. The NAM team continued to support the cases of numerous Belarusians in countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and others. ☑️ The NAM team submitted two communications to the International Criminal Court in The Hague and provided materials to the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, confirming Lukashenko's involvement in war crimes. The information provided by the NAM team was supported by a report from Yale University. We also submitted information about children who were illegally displaced to the Ombudsman of Ukraine and presented the materials at the events of the Assembly of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in New York. A criminal case was initiated in Ukraine against Alexey Talai, an accomplice in the crime of illegal deportation of children. ☑️ The NAM team represented Belarus at the European Games. We participated in the opening ceremony of the III European Games in Krakow as part of the Belarusian delegation, which included representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet, the NAM team, and free Belarusian athletes. ☑️ The Senate of the Czech Republic recognized the KGB and GUBOPiK as organizations that support terrorism. ☑️ A number of resolutions were adopted by the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Bundestag, the Senate of the Czech Republic, and other entities based on materials prepared, among others, by the NAM team. Belarusian women were represented in international meetings, made presentations at the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, participated in international forums, and held meetings with heads of governments and parliaments, ministers, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Lithuania, Germany, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Austria, and other countries. Working groups on interaction with the EU and the USA have been established. ☑️ The Center for Eastern European Studies of the University of Warsaw launched the 4th set of the "New Personnel for a New Belarus" program, which was created in 2020 with the support of the National Anti-Crisis Management. ☑️ The NAM team played a role in the adoption of a resolution by the European Parliament on the release of political prisoners in Belarus. We also prepared analytical and expert conclusions on foreign policy, the internal situation in Belarus, international law, and Belarusian "legislation." ☑️ We prepared several reports, including one on crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenko regime, a report on threats to the Union State, and a report on the persecution of Belarusians living abroad by the Lukashenko regime. ☑️ The NAM team held meetings with representatives of Belarusian civil society and the Belarusian diaspora, resolving issues related to the legalization of Belarusians abroad and problems faced by Belarusians due to forced migration. We provided assistance to numerous Belarusians in individual cases related to visa support, legalization issues, and the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border. ☑️ We provided material assistance, including donating a cross-country car to Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine and collecting over 15,000 euros to support them. NAM team also gathered over 4.5 thousand euros to assist the families of political prisoners. ☑️ The NAM team compiled a list of 179 athletes affiliated with the power and military structures of the regime to prevent their participation in international competitions, including the 2024 Olympic Games. ☑️ The NAM team's social media pages received over 72 million views throughout the year. They maintained 17 social media pages to provide objective information to Belarusians and foreign partners. They also established cooperation with international and world media outlets, such as Associated Press, Reuters , The Telegraph , RFI , The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post , PAP , AFP , Ukrinform and others. Join us on social networks: Telegram Instagram YouTube YouTube PL Twitter Facebook Viber TikTok TikTok PL LinkedIn National Anti-Crisis Management: Telegram Instagram YouTube Twitter Facebook Site TikTok The results of the work of the Museum of Free Belarus, a project of the National Anti-Crisis Management, are as follows: ☑️ More than 150 events were held, with over 8,500 participants, including three meetings of the United Transitional Cabinet and several meetings of the Coordination Council. ☑️ More than 40,000 euros in sponsorship was attracted to support the activities of the Museum and Belarusian culture. ☑️ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland and the National Center of Culture, in the presence of the Vice Prime Minister of Poland and the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, donated posters from the "White-Red-White" collection to the Museum. ☑️ The Museum established partnership relations with the German Embassy in Poland, the Delegation of Flanders and the Baltic countries in Poland, and the Canadian Embassy. Cooperation was also established with various organizations, including the Mieroszewski Centre, the Old House of Culture, and the National Institute of Museums. Results of the work on sanctions pressure: ☑️ The EU, USA, Poland, Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, and other countries imposed sanctions against more than 340 individuals and dozens of organizations associated with the Lukashenko regime ☑️ Proposals were prepared to improve the sanctions policies of the EU, USA, and other countries, including the harmonization of sanctions against the Lukashenko regime and Russia, trade regulation measures, and financial restrictions. Over 100 letters were sent to partners. ☑️ A campaign was conducted to counter lobbying efforts to weaken sanctions on potash fertilizers, resulting in the maintenance of sanctions on potassium. ☑️ Analytical documents were developed and sent, providing an analysis of the consequences of current sanctions and proposing measures to increase efficiency while minimizing "side effects." A special "recognition" of the importance of our work: during the year, the Belarusian regime opened five new criminal cases against members of the NAM team, and the property of NAM team members was seized. Throughout the year, we received at least ten threats of physical harm and dozens of threats of violence. However, the National Anti-Crisis Management will not cease its work. Throughout this year, we have labored for the benefit of Belarusians and for the future democratic, European, and independent New Belarus. We will persist! We would be grateful for your support of our work. If you would like to help NAM, please refer to the link. Long live Belarus!

Pavel Latushkа: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Provocations are recorded at the borders every day, intelligence activity is growing, drones are circling along the state border and periodically flying into the country... Do you think this is the plot of an action movie? No, this is another series of concepts of threats to Belarus authored by General Volfovich. The Secretary of State of the Security Council of Belarus, General Volfovich, noted in a recent interview that the intensity of all types of reconnaissance against Russia and Belarus has increased: "Reconnaissance aircraft make about 30-35 sorties a week. By actively exploring the airspace of states adjacent to our country, the alliance is working on issues of combat use of aviation. Flights of American strategic bomber aircraft are systematically carried out, entering the airspace of Poland and the Baltic countries, during which missile and bomb strikes are practiced against targets on the territory of the Union State, including nuclear ones." American planes are already practically hovering over Belarus, and drones invading Belarus, which Volfovich is actively monitoring, strongly outrage the general. What is the conclusion and solution to the problem? According to Volfovich, there is only one - the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. In October 2022, Lukashenko announced "Poland's desire to rattle nuclear weapons": "Duda already said yesterday. This has been worked out for a long time. Putin and I discussed this when we were talking about airplanes and nuclear weapons. They agreed with the Americans long ago that the arsenals would be in Poland. What does this mean? That we are really facing an attack with tactical nuclear weapons. We need to take action." A targeted attack with tactical nuclear weapons from Poland on Lukashenko and Volfovich never took place. Just as tactical nuclear weapons, which the dictator was concerned about, did not appear at all on the territory of Poland. So why does it exist now in Belarus? What threat from Poland was the "master of preemptive strikes" talking about then, if Poland still does not have nuclear weapons, but they have appeared in Belarus? The answer to another non-existent threat? Lukashenko probably believes that the presence of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus will increase his international weight. However, like Lukashenko himself, he and Volfovich are silent about a significant fact: no one is going to give an unbalanced dictator control over tactical nuclear weapons.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Lukashenko officials continue to push for lifting of Western sanctions on the regime. Having tried various options for lobbying for the lifting of sanctions, this time Lukashenko officials decided to use the humanitarian sphere – medicine in particular. It is important to note that neither the EU nor the US have imposed any sanctions on the sale of medical drugs to Belarus. On the contrary, decisions on sanctions clearly state that the bans do not apply to medical products and medicines. According to Eurostat statistics, Belarus has annually increased purchases of European pharmaceutical products over the past 8 years. This fact refutes the statements of the illegitimate authorities about the impossibility of purchasing needed medications, and cannot indicate a lack of these drugs. Therefore, the conclusion suggests itself that this is an artificially escalated situation for the population of Belarus, with the purpose being to remove sanctions restrictions from the financial and aviation sectors, as well as transport logistics. Belarusians have become hostages in a concentration camp built by Lukashenko’s regime, where in addition to free labor, moral and physical humiliation, they will also be subjected to “medical experiments” on survival. In the video, Pavel Latushko gave specific examples of manipulations and lies by representatives of the Lukashenko regime about this artificially created shortage of medicines, and also noted what goals are being pursued by the regime.

NAM lawyer Artsiom Praskalovich stated on Malanka Media channel that the simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for Belarusians is absolutely not a gift. A conclusion can also be drawn for those countries that Russia wants to include in such an initiative—Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan—hoping to increase its influence on the territory of these states. Although, as statistics show, there are fewer people wishing to acquire Russian citizenship from Belarus. Today, obtaining Russian citizenship means joining the ranks of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. Information is already appearing on the Internet that almost simultaneously with the acquisition of citizenship, people are being given a summons to the front, to the war with Ukraine. It is also important to note that in Russia there is criminal liability for discrediting the armed forces, and other measures of responsibility and responsibilities that are imposed on citizens of the Russian Federation. Belarusians, having Russian citizenship, located anywhere in the world, will also be covered by these duties and possible responsibilities. One careless word and a person ends up wanted. Entering the territory of a number of countries friendly to the Russian Federation, he risks being deported to Russia for criminal prosecution and serving his sentence. There are no economic, political or any other benefits from acquiring Russian citizenship. Having Russian citizenship can become more of a problem than a privilege.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Helping Lukashenko circumvent sanctions could lead to jail time The European Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on December 12 on criminal penalties for violating EU sanctions. The EU Member States are expected to approve this directive soon. This directive ensures that those who breach or circumvent EU sanctions will be held accountable. This act provides that member states will have to classify certain acts as criminal offenses, including: Assistance to persons subject to EU restrictive measures to circumvent the travel ban; Trading in goods subject to sanctions and conducting transactions with states or organizations that are subject to EU restrictive measures; Providing financial services or carrying out financial activities that are prohibited or restricted; Concealing the ownership of funds or economic resources by a person, legal entity or body subject to EU sanctions. Aiding and abetting these crimes will also be punishable as a crime. Trafficking in military materials will constitute a criminal offense both when committed intentionally and when it occurs as a result of negligence. All EU member states will be required to ensure that violations of EU sanctions are punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties, up to and including one to five years' imprisonment. In addition to prison sentences, violators of EU restrictive measures may face fines. Legal entities that violate restrictive measures will have to face sanctions, which include a ban on business activities and revocation of permits to conduct economic activities. These norms will be adopted in the form of a directive, which provides for further mandatory implementation in the national legal systems of EU member states. EU Member States are obliged to take measures within the specified period aimed at achieving the goals defined in it. All this means that EU member states are stepping up their efforts to enforce sanctions and take measures to freeze and confiscate proceeds from sanctions violations. The National Anti-Crisis Management and the United Transitional Cabinet constantly call for and justify the need to strengthen control over the implementation of sanctions restrictions. And we are glad that our partners hear the voice of the Belarusian democratic forces and take concrete actions.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Recently, it has come to light that fighters from the notorious PMC "Wagner" are already serving in the so-called internal forces of the Republic of Belarus. Russian propagandist Konstantin Pridybailo published a post with a photo of the militants' symbols and stated that the Wagnerites had become part of the Tornado special forces group. "In Belarus, 'Wagner' joined the ranks of the special forces of the internal troops," wrote the propagandist from the so-called Russian media Russia Today on his page. Simultaneously, photos emerged from military unit 3310 in Minsk, where the flag of PMC "Wagner" is seen flying alongside the red-green flag and the banner of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The creator of the above-mentioned "Tornado" division is Nikolai Karpenkov. This person is well known to Belarusians. Back in August 2020, everyone remembers how he frantically smashed the glass of one of the Minsk cafes, and this was perhaps the only case of vandalism during the peaceful protests of Belarusians in 2020. Karpenkov compared himself and his colleagues to fallen angels and directly called to kill and beat up protesters using traumatic weapons: "Either beat, mutilate, or kill them." Use the weapon directly in the forehead, directly in the face, directly there, after which he will never return to the state in which he was. Well, if they save him, good for him. If he won't have half a brain - that's his problem." This is a quote. On October 3, 2022, during an STV channel broadcast, Karpenkov declared that democratically minded Belarusians are "really mad dogs who deserve only one thing - death." In March 2023, he explicitly stated the identity of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, saying, "We are the heirs of the NKVD troops, and we are very proud of it." Karpenkov ostentatiously tries to present himself as an admirer of Lukashenko, but here we will disappoint those who consider Karpenkov their subordinate. The main ideal of a statesman for him is not Lukashenko at all, but Putin. And the "homeland" that the so-called general constantly mentions is not Belarus, but Russia. Karpenkov is a longtime admirer of the ideas of the so-called "Russian world". Back when Karpenkov was in charge of GUBOPiK, it became fashionable to place Russian flags in all the offices of this division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In the middle of March last year, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Commander of Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Karpenkov, stated that the Russian army is the successor of the Soviet army. He said, "The Russian army is invincible. We are allies, and our army, together with Russia's, is invincible." During the summer of 2023, one of the channels affiliated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus published a photo of Nikolay Karpenkov's visit to the camp of PMC "Wagner" near the village of Cel near Osipovichi. The photos were likely taken on July 20. At that time, Karpenkov mentioned that he had met Yevgeny Prigozhin in Belarus in the first days after the rebellion. He said, "We decided on our interaction, contacts were given, and based on these contacts, we met here with the second, third, and fourth person in PMC 'Wagner'. “The interaction is not only about conducting classes, it is necessary to conduct classes in such a way that it leads to one-time combat coordination. So that from the first minutes, as soon as we start our exercises, we can enter the battle together, shoulder to shoulder, the next day," Karpenkov explained the upcoming work and referred to the Wagnerians as "heroes." In the same interview, Karpenkov admitted to having a close connection with the leadership of PMC "Wagner," an organization closely associated with the Main Intelligence Department of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the FSB of Russia. Karpenkov's special forces training program includes classes with instructors from PMC "Wagner," covering equipment adjustment, fire and medical training, and small-group tactics. The militants of PMC have even shared their experience in using artillery. Additionally, according to Karpenkov, joint combat groups were formed with the involvement of the Wagnerites. "In general, I think the work will be interesting and very productive. Well, we will see the results later," said an anonymous instructor from PMC "Wagner" in an interview with the STV channel. So, what should we expect to see? What did Karpenkov and his friends from "Wagner" have in mind? Who are they really planning to fight tomorrow? Or perhaps they aim to replicate the "feat" of Prigozhin? Under Karpenkov's orders, new divisions involving Wagnerites, consisting of 70 or more individuals, were created in Grodno, Brest, Ostrovets, Gomel, and other cities throughout Belarus. It appears that Lukashenko initially intended to place the Wagnerites in one location at the camp near Osipovichi. However, thanks to Karpenkov, they are now dispersed throughout the republic, making it extremely difficult to track them, even for Lukashenko's own special services. The new "Smerch" special forces unit currently consists of 300 "main" and 150 "reserve" personnel. There is also a subdivision called "Rys" (“Lynx” in English) dedicated to border work, comprising "200-300 people," along with a detachment named "Chest" (“Honor” in English). In total, there are 1,500 security forces within these new units, essentially forming a regiment. A division is expected to be established soon, and all these individuals are under Karpenkov's direct command. Already in early May of this year, Karpenkov announced the creation of three additional combat units: "Storm" in Brest, "Typhoon" in Grodno, and "Buran" in Gomel. He speculated that if tens of thousands of Wagnerites were enough for a march on Moscow, then two thousand would be sufficient for a march on Minsk. In addition to the special forces units, Karpenkov has been actively establishing what he calls "children's military-patriotic clubs" across all the country. Currently, there are more than 18 of these clubs, where teenagers are subjected to intensive re-education with the ideology of the "Russian world." Karpenkov organized the recent "Meeting of military-patriotic clubs of Belarus and Russia," which featured like-minded individuals such as Azarenok, Gigin, Lusch, and others who share the ideology of the "Russian world." A group of propagandists supportive of Karpenkov has formed around him. Grigoriy Azarenok, who practically acts as his personal "military commander," actively promotes Karpenkov. Azarenok has appeared in a music video dedicated to PMC "Wagner," and he frequently travels to the occupied territories of Ukraine. He now hosts a program for the controversial Russian propagandist Soloviev and openly receives Russian funding, suggesting whose interests he defends. In May of this year, Karpenkov was congratulated by honored guests, including Vadim Gigin, Alexander Shpakovsky, and Grigory Azarenok, who are all known Russophiles. Karpenkov also maintains contacts with the Russian Orthodox Church and representatives of Russian propaganda. Even Konstantin Pridybailo, a notable figure, referred to Karpenkov as a "good-natured patriot." It is important to understand that Prigozhin's empire, which includes PMC "Wagner," is not just a military structure but also a network of bot farms, propagandists, and political technologists. In a matter of months, they transformed Prigozhin from a criminal and Putin's cook into a popular politician in Russia. Now, these political technologists and advisers are helping Nikolai Karpenkov build the image of a promising pro-Russian politician, along with his small army. Despite his feigned piety and ostentatious devotion to the regime, Karpenkov is believed to be a greedy, cunning, and ambitious man. He harbors a sense of ambition, likely fueled by the repeated humiliations he endured from Lukashenko, even when he served in the dictator's security service. Karpenkov's inferiority complex, thirst for revenge, and the belief that he has a "historical chance" make him a potentially effective candidate within Lukashenko's entourage who could neutralize the dictator under favorable circumstances, possibly with support or a signal from the Kremlin. Lukashenko, relying on the power structures, particularly GUBOPiK, has systematically destroyed and continues to suppress any nationally and democratically oriented forces within Belarus. The dictator fully supports Karpenkov in the destruction of dissent, relying on his complete loyalty and devotion. In essence, Lukashenko has built a real army of thugs who are ready to carry out any order, even outside the borders of Belarus. The question remains: what will Lukashenko do if the new Prigozhin, Karpenkov, decides to move his fighters to Lukashenko's residence? The answer to this question remains uncertain. Karpenkov's vision for Belarus raises concerns. As early as 2020, he proposed the creation of concentration camps for Belarusians, illustrating his bleak view of the future like this: "A special camp for cloven-hooved creatures, for their resettlement. And put barbed wire around the perimeter. Two rooms should be made: a room with a fire furnace, and another room to feed them. And they must work, of course." That’s how Nikolai Karpenkov, Governor-General of the Northwestern part of Russia, envisioned the future of Belarus. It is worth noting that PMC "Wagner" is headed by a businessman created by the Kremlin, who essentially still controls the militants. Therefore, the Kremlin is also a significant beneficiary of elevating the new Prigozhin, Karpenkov, in Belarus. It appears that Lukashenko is content with the idea of Belarus becoming the Northwestern part of Russia. To prolong his hold on power, he obediently carries out the Kremlin's wishes. All of the above provides a basis for drawing certain conclusions: Lukashenko comprehends that the Kremlin will likely cease to require his services in the near future. However, there is a possibility that the need for Karpenkov's services may arise soon. Consequently, the following question arises: Is Lukashenko afraid of Karpenkov?