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Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Representative of the Cabinet for the Transition of Power, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Leader of the "Latushka Team and the Movement 'For Freedom'" faction within the 3rd convocation of the Coordination Council Before we move on to analyzing this speech, I want you to ask yourselves a few fundamental questions: Do you feel calmer about your children after a man who surrendered the country’s sovereignty once again started talking about a “peaceful sky”? Do you feel confident about tomorrow when you see the fates of Belarusians being used as bargaining chips in negotiations over potash contracts? And most importantly: do you truly believe that a man who has been clinging to power for thirty years has even the slightest idea of how to build a modern, successful Belarus for your children and grandchildren? Today we will analyze this speech in detail. I will show you what really stands behind every word spoken by Lukashenko. Block 1. About the Peace He Betrayed and the Future He Stole Quote: "And so 2025 is becoming history… And we know exactly how we want to see it. First of all — peaceful. Peaceful and safe, not only for Belarus, but for all countries and peoples. We all want to live and raise our children under a clear sky, to let them go into independent adult life with a light heart". The dictator speaks about a peaceful future, but the reality is that it is precisely his actions that have made Belarus an accomplice to the largest act of aggression in Europe since World War II. What "clear sky" and "light heart" can he be talking about when he has turned our land into a launchpad for someone else’s missiles? It was Lukashenko who handed over our airfields, roads, and all our infrastructure for strikes against a neighboring country. He calls this "security", but in reality he has turned Belarus into a nuclear hostage of the Kremlin by deploying foreign weapons of mass destruction on our territory. As long as he remains in power, Belarus will remain a source of threat to its neighbors and a zone of danger for Belarusians themselves. Even more frightening is what he says about the future for children. As parents, you can see yourselves that this is a lie. What kind of future can await a child in a country where dissent is punished with prison and education is replaced by ideological drill? Instead of opening doors to the global world, teaching technology and freedom of thought, the regime is building a new Iron Curtain. A dictatorship cannot provide development. When we let our children enter adult life, we want to be sure they will be protected by the law, not by arbitrariness. But today, “independent life” for our youth increasingly means a one-way ticket into emigration. Lukashenko is not building a country for children — he is building a personal prison, stealing the future from an entire nation. Block 2. The Potash Bargain and the Hypocritical "Year of the Woman" Quote: "I wish you strong love — captivating and all-consuming… We honor our mothers, wives, and daughters one day a year. The time has come to pay tribute to their special role in our lives and to declare 2026 the Year of the Belarusian Woman. Nature has created nothing more perfect than her!" The dictator declares 2026 the Year of the Woman, but he does so out of cold and cynical political calculation. This sudden outburst of "love" happened only because he was backed into a corner. The release of Maria Kalesnikava and other heroes and heroines at the end of 2025 was not an act of mercy. It was a trade in “living goods.” The dictator simply exchanged people’s lives and freedom for the lifting of sanctions on the potash industry. He desperately needs money — both to maintain his massive apparatus of violence and to save an economy that is literally crumbling under his incompetent rule. To declare a "Year of the Woman" after thousands of Belarusian women have gone through repression, arrests, prisons, torture, and violence is cynicism beyond limits. We remember how he spent years building a system that humiliates women. His belated “recognition” is an attempt to wash blood away with pink paint. True respect for women will begin when no mother ever again cries outside prison walls, and when Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and thousands of other Belarusian women can safely return to their families in a free country. Block 3. An Economic Dead End Disguised as a "Not Bad Year" Quote: "Thanks to the efforts of Belarusians, 2025 was not a bad year for us, although it was not easy. They tried to force us to live by чужие laws, to divide us into ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ to test our resilience with economic storms and political pressure… But we have a habit of sticking together, our Belarusian ‘talaka’". The dictator claims that the year was "not bad", but behind these words lies a catastrophe. Under his "wise leadership", in January–November 2025 Belarus lost $5.99 billion . We lost subjectivity, markets, and technologies. He calls on us to "stick together", but his "talaka" means that the entire nation must pay out of its own pocket for the consequences of his disastrous policies and international isolation. While he blames external forces, the best minds are leaving Belarus: engineers, doctors, IT specialists. The massive labor shortage we see today is not just a problem for enterprises. It is a verdict on the future of Belarus, delivered by the dictator through his policies. He has no development strategy — only a survival strategy based on new loans from the neighboring state. We propose a path of Normality: unfreezing the economy, bringing back investments, and creating conditions where success depends on talent, not on loyalty to the regime. Block 4. Fear of Dialogue and Real Unity Quote: "Our opponents still have not learned that we are used to creating, not destroying. Uniting, not inciting. Talking, not shouting. And this is not weakness — it is our strength… We never seek quarrels and conflicts, but we can certainly stand up for ourselves. This is how we lived and how we will live" . The dictator calls for "dialogue" and "unity", but behind these words lies a panicked fear of his own people. It was he who divided the nation into "correct" citizens and "extremists", building walls inside our families and circles of friends. He says he is used to creating? No — he is used to destroying lives. He speaks of dialogue? But his "dialogue" is always a monologue behind the closed doors of a prison. We, the democratic forces, propose a real way out of the deadlock — a Round Table. This is not a platform for capitulation; it is a platform for responsibility before the nation. We need to agree on rules of the game that are the same for everyone. We want not a fight until the last winner, but the restoration of justice and a return to the Rule of Law. We want professionals — teachers, doctors, managers to work for the country, not for the self-preservation of one man. Conclusion: The Time of Our Choice Lukashenko’s New Year address has shown one thing clearly: this regime has no tomorrow. In his words there is only the past, fear, and a desire to cling to his chair at any cost — at the cost of our sovereignty. But I know that we are different. We have lived through another year of waiting, but we have not broken. And today I want us to feel the difference. The dictator offers us "endurance and promises", while we offer a path to a normal life. To a country where New Year’s Eve is a celebration, not an expectation of new disasters. To a country where our children will buy tickets to Minsk and Hrodna, because their home is here — and here they can be successful.

Release of political prisoners on 13 December We are grateful to U.S. President Donald Trump , Mr. Coale , and Mr. Smith  for their effective efforts in securing the release of 123 political prisoners on 13 December . We deeply pleased by the release of Viktar Babaryka . We also glad to see Maria Kalesnikava , Maksim Znak , and Ales Bialiatski , Nobel Peace Prize laureate, free again. We especially happy about the release of Pavel Seviarynets , as well as the freedom of many others. It is crucial that we continue our struggle for the release of all political prisoners , for the end of repression in our country , and for democratic change in Belarus . Crucial meetings and activities On 10 December , a meeting took place between Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management and Cecilia Dalman Eek , Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and Rapporteur on Democratic Belarus, during her visit to Poland. The discussion focused on the key challenges faced by Belarusians abroad, particularly in relation to legalisation and residency procedures, as well as the work of Belarusian democratic institutions. Special attention was paid to the impact of transnational repression by the Lukashenka regime , including lengthy document procedures, passport expirations during application processes, bank account blockages, and the lack of protection from the Belarusian state. Pavel Latushka  also highlighted cases of extraterritorial persecution of Belarusians living in Poland . The outcomes of the visit will be reported to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, contributing to increased international awareness and support for Belarusian society. It is worth noting that the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe extends the Mandate of Belarusian Democratic Forces Delegation for 2 years. Early in the morning on 18 December , a large group of released Belarusians arrived in Warsaw. More than one hundred Belarusian women and men, freed from Lukashenka’s prisons and forcibly expelled abroad, came to the Polish capital from Ukraine. Among them were Viktar Babaryka , Maria Kalesnikava , Maksim Znak , Aliaksandr Feduta  and Marina Zolotava . Some of the former political prisoners continued on to Vilnius, including Pavel Seviarynets and Uladz Labkovich . At the Belarusian Solidarity Center  in Warsaw, the arrivals were welcomed by relatives, friends, fellow activists, volunteers, journalists, politicians, and diplomats. Those who came personally to greet the released prisoners included Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Artsiom Brukhan , Speaker of the Coordination Council, Adam Halacinski , Plenipotentiary Representative of the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs for cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces, Michal Zawiasa , Deputy Director of the Eastern Europe Department of the Polish MFA, and Miguel Berger , Ambassador of Germany to Poland. Pavel Latushka  expressed his support for the former prisoners and thanked the United States, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania , as well as numerous countries, organizations, and volunteers who contributed to their release, evacuation, reception, and further relocation to the EU. Assistance to the released Belarusians was organized through a broad joint effort of civil society initiatives and democratic institutions, coordinated with the Mission of the Democratic Forces in Ukraine, representatives of the Cabinet, and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , with significant ongoing support from Poland and Lithuania. Also, on 18 December , Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, held a meeting at the Polish Office for Foreigners with Andrzej Karpiak  and department heads responsible for the legalisation of foreigners. The discussion focused on accelerating the legalisation of released Belarusian political prisoners  who plan to remain in Poland. Pavel Latushka  emphasized the need to quickly coordinate the submission of applications for international protection, ensure faster review procedures, and take into account the special situation of released individuals , including the lack of documents and the need for social assistance. The sides agreed to maintain active communication on these issues. On 19 December , Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, addressed the children of Belarusian political prisoners and repressed families at the festive event “Yalinka at the Museum of Free Belarus” , wishing that all families could be together , ideally in Belarus, and share smiles and happiness during the holidays. Held for the third year , the event gathers children of political prisoners with the support of the National Anti-Crisis Administration . The program included a performance by the theater studio “Kupalinka” , introductions to traditional Belarusian Kolyadki customs, festive treats, and gifts for the children. Pavel Latushka  thanked all who made the gathering possible, highlighting the support of Flanders , represented by Matthias De Moor , as well as Libereco , the Belarusian Association of Political Prisoners “Da Voli” , and the National Anti-Crisis Administration . Lukashenko’s Statements Submitted as Evidence to the ICC The National Anti-Crisis Management has submitted an official request to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to review public statements made by Alexander Lukashenko during the so-called All-Belarusian People’s Assembly. In his speech, Lukashenko effectively confirmed the forced deportation of political prisoners , denying them the possibility to return to Belarus, refusing to issue passports, and labeling them as “enemies.” Pavel Latushka, Head of the NAM emphasized that these statements are not mere rhetoric but serve as additional evidence of a deliberate state policy  of persecution, deportation, and forced displacement of civilians — acts that constitute crimes against humanity  under the Rome Statute. “Lukashenko publicly and step by step builds the evidential basis against himself. Our task is to properly document it and submit it where crimes are judged, not applauded,” stated Pavel Latushka . The NAM  will continue submitting materials to the ICC to ensure that no crimes against Belarusians remain without legal scrutiny. Top topics that garnered the most attention on Pavel Latushka and NAU social media in 2025 The year 2025 showed that the Belarusian society’s demand for truth and change  is not only sustained—it is growing. Social media channels of Pavel Latushka  and the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM)  revealed the issues that truly resonate with Belarusians and spark engagement. Record-breaking posts in 2025 included: X (Twitter):   2M views  — Lukashenko’s private trip to Oman  and personal enrichment; international response  by John Coale , Special Representative of U.S. President Donald Trump, on the release of Ales Bialiatski . YouTube:   254K views  — regime unsuccessfully challenged Kazakhstan’s flight restrictions ; 219K views  — statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky  about remembering 24 February 2022 . YouTube Shorts:   333K views — Zelensky revealed Lukashenko begged Ukraine to strike the Mozyr oil refinery , endangering Belarusian lives. TikTok:   1.02M views — reaction to the regime planning to bring 150,000 Pakistani migrants ; 965K views  — reaction to Lukashenko’s readiness to give up the Vitebsk region . Instagram:   701K views  — reaction to Poland closing the border ; 600K views — Lukashenko admitting he lost the 2020 elections ; 578K views  — Zelensky’s reminder of responsibility for aggression; 406K views  — Lukashenko on economic problems . Facebook:   520K views  — public acknowledgment by Lukashenko that he lost the 2020 elections . These reactions show that Belarusians are most concerned with Lukashenko’s personal enrichment, sacrificing citizens for personal gain, expelling Belarusians and replacing them with migrants, trading national territory, freedom of movement, and the 2020 election loss . “These topics resonated across our channels and Belarusian media, influencing the regime to abandon plans to bring Pakistani citizens and make concessions to Poland. Every view, like, comment, and repost matters — it is a real tool in the fight for a free and democratic Belarus. Thank you to everyone who supports the NAM media service,” said Pavel Latushka . Analytical and reading materials: 1. The text  is about Pavel Latushka’s meeting at the Czech Embassy in Warsaw, where he highlighted ongoing repression in Belarus, called for the release of all political prisoners, emphasized the need for EU unity and support for democratic change, and urged holding Lukashenko accountable for crimes against humanity. 2. Pavel Latushka Submitted an Appeal  to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority Requesting Clarifications Regarding the Blocking of Mobile Banking Applications for Belarusians by Polish Banks. Interviews and articles in international media

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 At first glance, this document looks like a plan to save the country. On closer reading, it turns out to be an instruction manual for freezing power in place. We are talking about the Programme of Socio-Economic Development for 2026–2030 , approved at the 7th All-Belarusian People’s Assembly and presented by the regime as a response to the demographic crisis, economic stagnation, and international isolation. But if we strip away the “right” words and look not at the rhetoric but at the logic, it becomes obvious: this is not a strategy for developing Belarus. It is a carefully packaged manifesto of dictatorship’s self-preservation, where "the people", "the future", and "security" are used as stage props for one single priority — preserving Lukashenko’s personal power at any cost. The programme formally begins with "national demographic security". The phrase sounds appealing, but it is precisely under Lukashenko that Belarus has descended into a demographic catastrophe: mass emigration, the flight of young and educated people, families with children leaving the country, declining birth rates, and accelerated population ageing. The document says nothing about the main cause of this collapse — fear, violence, and the absence of a future. No benefits or slogans can keep people in a country where dissent leads to prison and civic engagement costs you your profession and freedom. Under the guise of concern for demography, the authorities are trying not to create conditions in which people would want to live and raise children in Belarus, but to maintain control over a shrinking population. At the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly, the usurper declared that "from the point of view of material incentives, enough has already been done". In other words, no more is needed. Lukashenko stressed: "I often repeat: you can’t force people to give birth with money". Young families should not count on support. The dictator openly says that Belarusians must rely only on themselves: "Therefore, before demanding something from someone — especially from me, from the authorities", Lukashenko says, "look in the mirror, at yourself — you need to work". The second priority  is the "development of human potential" and the "education of a patriotic personality". The key word here is not education but loyalty. In recent years, the education system has been turned into an instrument of ideological selection: teachers are fired for their beliefs, students are expelled for their civic position, schools and universities are saturated with propaganda and security forces. By a "harmoniously developed personality", the regime means a manageable, apolitical, or intimidated individual. Such "human potential" is needed not to develop the country, but to reproduce a totalitarian system. No additional funding for education is planned. Lukashenko claims that the state already spends "crazy money" on it: "We spend huge amounts so that a person gets an education at school and enters a university". The same "We invest enormous resources in the development of healthcare", "conditions for work have been created", "doctors’ salaries have been raised". He is not planning to invest in culture either: "Sometimes we may already have an excess with restoring castles". But he does not intend to stop building palaces for himself. So leave Lukashenko alone — he still needs money to build a "tourist facility" in Oman on 200 hectares of land. Lukashenko does not like the heat, and there is a unique place there — along the ocean, mountains, where the temperature does not rise above 30 degrees Celsius. The third priority  — a "high-quality and comfortable living environment" — sounds especially cynical against the backdrop of degrading healthcare, growing inequality between Minsk and the regions, and the destruction of local communities. A comfortable environment, in the regime’s interpretation, is not about security and freedom, but about the absence of protests, quietness, and control. It is courtyards without people, streets without discussion, and cities without a future. Comfort here is understood as the absence of problems for the authorities, not for citizens. A comfortable and high-quality environment is meant only for Lukashenko. Even his own diplomats, in his view, are not worthy of being treated in the so-called presidential hospital. "Recently, some of our ‘smart’ high-ranking officials sent me a letter", he says. "We need to put all diplomatic workers on the books of what we call the presidential hospital. Do you have any conscience? Why are you reaching for this hospital?" Meanwhile, ordinary Belarusians, following the example of Singapore, he proposes to fine for littering and uncleaned territory with astronomical fines. The fourth priority  — growth of competitiveness, technology, and digital transformation — looks like a rhetorical relic from the past. Under Lukashenko, Belarus has lost access to key markets, investments, and technologies. The IT sector, which the country was proud of not long ago, was pushed out of the country by repression and arbitrariness. Digital transformation under sanctions, isolation, and manual control is not development, but an imitation of modernization, designed to show movement where none actually exists. Foreign investors who bring new technologies and create jobs will be "secured" along with the rest of the population, while those deemed unreliable will be pushed out of Belarus. The dictator threatens them directly: "There is no need to exploit our people, make money, transfer it to Lithuania, and then from there finance protest sentiments. This must not happen". At the same time, according to Lukashenko, "maximum comfortable conditions have already been created in Belarus for investors". Apparently, he means the main investor — himself. The fifth priority , "strong regions", has long become an empty slogan. Regions in Belarus have been systematically drained: economically, in terms of personnel, and politically. Any initiative from below is suppressed, local self-government does not exist, and governors are appointed not for development but for control. Strong regions are dangerous for a dictatorship, so behind this slogan lies only further centralization of resources and power. Lukashenko proposes to solve regional development problems by introducing a form of serfdom — binding people to rural areas and small towns through practically unpaid labor. "We need to secure people in agrotowns, large (support) villages", the dictator declares. At the same time, he proposes to limit Belarusians’ residence in Minsk: "In Minsk, a limit should be set on the commissioning of new housing — no more than 300,000 square meters per year. Maybe even less". The sixth priority — strengthening defense capability and developing the defense sector — is key to understanding the true logic of the programme. This is where all illusions disappear. Belarus is being drawn ever deeper into Russia’s military orbit, losing the remnants of its sovereignty. The economy is being militarized not to protect the country, but to ensure the survival of a regime that has become part of Russia’s military infrastructure. "Defense capability" in this context means protecting Lukashenko’s power from his own people and turning the country into a military staging ground. And Lukashenko is strengthening not the defense of the country as a whole, but of himself personally and his inner circle. He says this openly and urges people not to fear the deployment of "Oreshnik" missiles and nuclear weapons in Belarus: "Do not give in to these talks that because of nuclear weapons strikes will be launched at these facilities. And what, if they fight against us? Will they pat us on the head? Strikes will be launched against us. And they will be launched, as it is fashionable to say, at the decision-making centers. At us. At you and me. That’s the main thing". Finally, tourism potential. This point looks almost grotesque in a country associated in the world not with culture and nature, but with political prisoners, repression, and complicity in war. Tourism is impossible without freedom, safety, and trust. In an authoritarian state with closed borders and a repressive system, it turns into a fiction needed only for reporting. Apparently, this point was included because Lukashenko plans to develop his own personal tourism and vacation in Oman and the Emirates, where he has already built or is planning to build yet another residence. Overall, the 2026–2030 programme is not a document about Belarus’s future, but a mirror of the dictator’s mindset. There is no human being as a free subject, no society as a partner, no state as a common cause. Instead, there is fear of change, an obsessive need for control, and a desire at any cost to prolong personal rule. Under the cover of words about development, family, and patriotism, Lukashenko offers the country another five years of stagnation, isolation, and dependence — not for the sake of Belarus, but for his own.

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. "Today’s discussion is a contribution to the future; it is a new experience for Belarusians that they will later be able to implement in a democratic", said Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Coordination Council Pavel Latushka during the working meeting  "The 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance of the Council of Europe: Introduction, Tools, and Best Practices" , organized by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe at the request of the delegation of the Belarusian democratic forces, which consists of members of the Coordination Council in the Congress. "For us, the Congress is a unique place to gain experience in local democracy. The future of Belarus lies precisely in expanding the powers of local authorities and decentralizing power. This stands in contrast to what Lukashenko has created, when complete centralization and personalization of power took place, and when all decisions, even at the lowest level, are made only with his consent. We understand the importance of this reform and are working on it. The Coordination Council has also considered a draft law on local authorities in Belarus. This is one of our priority areas for all democratic forces fighting for change", Pavel Latushka emphasized. During his speech, Pavel Latushka noted that work continues on the United Transitional Cabinet’s project  "Personnel Reserve for a New Belarus" , under which, with the assistance of European countries, opportunities are being created to train new potential cadres. He also noted that the project "Personnel Reserve for a New Belarus" is being implemented in Poland, where around 100 future potential Belarusian diplomats have already been trained. "The elections that took place to the Coordination Council are an example of direct democracy using electronic technologies. The democratic movement abroad managed to organize this in an unprecedented way. This is transparency, technology, and e-democracy. We are proud of the fact that we succeeded in doing this. We plan to hold future elections in which Belarusians will be able to vote, not merely be present. Taking advantage of this meeting, I would like to thank the Congress for the formalized decision of December 15 to extend the mandate of the delegation of the Belarusian democratic forces in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities for the next two years. This is very important for us and motivates us to continue our work. I would also like to thank you for the 'green light' for representatives of the Coordination Council to participate in observing local elections in the member states of the Council of Europe. This will be a unique experience for us that we will be able to apply in future democratic elections in Belarus. The 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance of the Council of Europe are, without doubt, the foundation of our work. These principles are our future, and we will work toward them in a focused and consistent manner" ,  Pavel Latushka noted.

From Ukraine to Warsaw, more than one hundred Belarusians — women and men — have arrived who were released from Lukashenko’s prisons and forcibly expelled abroad. Among them are Viktar Babaryka, Maria Kalesnikava, Maksim Znak, Alyaksandr Fyaduta, Uladz Labkovich, and Maryna Zolatava. Some of the former prisoners traveled onward to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, including Pavel Seviarynets. Near the Belarusian Solidarity Center in Warsaw, those who arrived were met by their relatives, friends, comrades, volunteers, journalists, politicians, and diplomats. Those who personally came to welcome the arrivals to freedom included Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Pavel Latushka , Speaker of the Coordination Council Artsiom Brukhan , the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs for cooperation with the Belarusian democratic forces Adam Halacinski , Deputy Director of the Eastern Europe Department of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Michal Zawiasa , and the Ambassador of Germany to Poland Miguel Berger . Pavel Latushka expressed words of support to the former prisoners. He also thanked the United States, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and all countries, organizations, and numerous volunteers who contributed to the release of a large group of political prisoners from Belarus, to organizing their arrival, reception, and accommodation in Ukraine, their subsequent transfer to the EU, as well as providing everything necessary and the required documents. Assistance to the released prisoners has been organized through the joint efforts of a number of initiatives (the charitable foundation "A Country for Life", BYSOL, the Human Rights Center "Viasna", the initiatives Ineedhelpby and Dissidentby, the association "Da Voli", NAM, "Dapamoga", "Volnyya", the Kalinouski Regiment, the project "I Want to Live", the Pavel Latushka Foundation, the Belarusian Solidarity Center, and many others), coordinated with the Mission of the Democratic Forces in Ukraine, representatives of the Cabinet for Social Policy and National Security, and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Significant support has also been and continues to be provided by Lithuania and Poland.

In Warsaw, at the Museum of Free Belarus, an Expert Seminar titled "Polish–Belarusian Dialogue on Solidarity"  was held, dedicated to the history of support and the challenges of legalization for Belarusians in Poland. The Expert Seminar was organized by the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) in cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council. Participants in the Polish–Belarusian dialogue included the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM Pavel Latushka; the UTC Representative for Social Policy Olga Zazulinskaya; Coordination Council Speaker Artsiom Brukhan; representative of the initiative supporting free political prisoners of Belarus "Volnye" Veronika Stankevich; Head of the Belarusian Solidarity Center Olga Dobrovolskaya; NAM lawyer and Head of the Legal Commission of the Coordination Council Mikhail Kirilyuk; lawyer and Coordination Council delegate Ales Mikhalevich; Head of the Legal Department of REFORUM.HELP Olena Yurkina; representatives of the Mieroszewski Centre and the Association of Legal Intervention, as well as other experts and representatives of organizations. During the seminar, experts noted that it has become more difficult for Belarusians in Poland to obtain legal status and access assistance compared to 2020–2021. This has created the need to analyze existing practices and consider possible changes. As a result of the Expert Seminar, which brought together more than 10 experts and practicing lawyers, a list of proposals was developed for Polish state institutions. Their goal is to improve procedures related to legalization and access to assistance for Belarusians in Poland across five key areas. The formulated proposals will be submitted to key Polish government authorities: Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF): Amendments to procedures for opening, freezing, and closing bank accounts for Belarusians. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Issues related to the practice of issuing humanitarian visas. Office for Foreigners (Ministry of the Interior): Improvement of procedures for reviewing applications for residence permits and the Polish foreigner’s document; attention to the humanitarian aspect when applying the Dublin Regulation. Ministry of Education: Issues of diploma recognition. Border Guard: Recommendations regarding the practice of enforcing decisions on the transfer of individuals to the country of entry under the Dublin Regulation during the appeal period.

"Our most important goal is the release of all political prisoners from Lukashenko’s prisons, but the strategic goal is democratic change in Belarus", said Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Coordination Council, during a meeting at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Warsaw held in connection with International Human Rights Day . The meeting was attended by representatives of Belarusian independent media and non-governmental organizations. Pavel Latushka informed the Czech side about the situation with ongoing repression in Belarus, which continues and shows no signs of decreasing. The politician recalled that as of today, according to data from the human rights center Viasna , there are 1,217 political prisoners in Belarus , while according to Dissidentby , the number stands at 1,273. Lukashenko is conducting negotiations with the American side, but at the same time deceiving the Americans, having in fact released — thanks to the efforts of the U.S. side — four times fewer political prisoners than were officially recognized after the most recent release on 11 September 2025. "We must look very carefully and realistically at the fact that Lukashenko is not changing his repressive policies", Pavel Latushka emphasized. Pavel Latushka stressed the importance of the EU’s position voiced in Brussels by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas , that the EU will continue to support Belarus’s democratic forces, noting the need "to isolate, including through additional sanctions, a regime that for four years has been assisting Russia in waging an aggressive war against Ukraine". The Deputy Head of the Cabinet appealed to the Czech side to support the Cabinet’s position that the regime must first enter into dialogue with Belarusian society and democratic institutions and undertake real changes in its policies, and only after that may it expect any changes in the EU’s position . "It is important that Lukashenko sees unity in the EU’s position toward his criminal regime and understands that the EU’s position will not change until the regime undertakes real changes in its internal repressive and external aggressive policies", Pavel Latushka stressed. The representative of the United Transitional Cabinet also informed the ambassador and Czech diplomats about the activities of the Cabinet and the Coordination Council and  appealed to Czech representatives to support efforts by the Government of the Czech Republic to hold Lukashenko accountable for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people. The inspiration for this meeting, which Czech diplomatic missions hold annually, is an initiative of French President François Mitterrand. On 9 December 1988, he held a breakfast meeting with representatives of Charter 77 led by Czech dissident Václav Havel (who later became President of the Czech Republic after democratic changes) at the French Embassy in Prague.

Photo source: inwestycje.pl In connection with the recently emerging  situation of Polish banks blocking mobile banking applications for citizens of Belarus who are staying in Poland without valid residence permits , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), Pavel Latushka , informed the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (hereinafter – KNF) about this situation on 19 November 2025 by submitting an appeal requesting clarifications on the justification of such actions by Polish banking institutions . At the same time, on 4 December Pavel Latushka sent a request for a meeting with the management of PKO Bank Polski in order to discuss the situation that has arisen. In his appeals, Pavel Latushka explained that thousands of Belarusian citizens are legally staying in Poland and are awaiting further legalization on the basis of a residence permit.  The legality of their stay follows from Article 108 of the Act on Foreigners: "A foreigner’s stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland shall be considered legal from the day the application is submitted until the day the decision on granting a temporary residence permit becomes final" . The appeal also emphasizes that references by Polish banking institutions to EU sanctions as grounds for refusing to service bank accounts of Belarusian citizens who do not hold a valid residence permit are unfounded and constitute excessive compliance with banking requirements (overcompliance) and cannot serve as grounds for measures such as blocking mobile banking applications (accounts) for Belarusian citizens legally staying in Poland . At the same time, Pavel Latushka sent appeals to the Polish Financial Ombudsman, as well as to the European External Action Service and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (FISMA). It should be noted that previously, in its responses, the KNF emphasized that Belarusian citizens may be classified as a group of clients with increased risk; however, refusal to establish business relationships or a decision to terminate them cannot be justified solely by classifying a client as high-risk. Therefore, before taking such decisions, banks must ensure that they have considered all possible risk-mitigation measures. Each decision to refuse to establish or to terminate a business relationship must be justified and documented . It is not permissible to automatically consider all clients from one group as equally high-risk without an individual assessment. Such an approach may be deemed unjustified by the KNF. In view of the fact that in some Polish banking institutions there have been cases of refusal to open or extend accounts on the basis of a Temporary Foreigner’s Identity Certificate (hereinafter – TZTC), Pavel Latushka once again submitted an inquiry to the KNF. Previously, in response to an appeal by Pavel Latushka, the KNF provided written clarification stating that the TZTC is an identity document on the basis of which a bank account may be opened  (KNF letter of 17 June 2025). Following this, Belarusian citizens who had applied for international protection began to have bank accounts opened on the basis of the TZTC . It should also be noted that Belarusians living in Poland had previously faced problems with opening and blocking bank accounts. These problems arose due to overcompliance by banks with regard to citizens of countries subject to EU or Polish restrictive measures. In particular, Belarusian citizens who were clients of Santander Bank faced restrictions on the use of mobile banking applications and bank accounts in the spring and summer of 2024. At that time, Santander Bank required clients to hold a residence permit in any EU country with a validity period of at least 12 months. In the absence of such a residence permit, the bank blocked mobile applications and online banking. From the letter received from the KNF in response to Pavel Latushka’s inquiry, it followed that the bank’s actions were not a requirement of the Polish authorities or a consequence of European sanctions . Decisions on additional requirements imposed by the bank on its clients were taken by the bank itself. As explained by the KNF, such decisions depend on many factors based on risk management principles. The KNF also recommended at that time that the bank’s clients seek advice from the Financial Ombudsman or regional consumer rights ombudsmen. Ultimately, the problem with the blocking of banking applications and accounts at this bank was resolved.

Crucial meetings On 31 October, Pavel Latushka Met with EU Missions in Geneva On 31 October, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, met in Geneva with representatives of EU’s countries to UN in Geneva member states, including the Permanent Representative of Lithuania , Darius Staniulis, the Deputy Permanent Representative of France , Claire Tude, as well as representatives of Latvia and Sweden . Pavel Latushka highlighted the ongoing human rights crisis in Belarus, the growing number of political prisoners, torture in detention facilities, and the persecution of civil society. He stressed that no “deal” with Lukashenka is possible and that the regime must end repression. The meetings also focused on international accountability mechanisms, including support for Lithuania’s referral to the International Criminal Court. The consultations took place ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s UPR session on Belarus, where it will be noted that the regime has implemented only 2 of 266  recommendations, leaving 226 unfulfilled . On 6 November, Pavel Latushka and Artsiom Brukhan Meet Polish Senator on Belarus Crisis On 6 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Coordination Council delegate, and  Coordination Council Speaker Artsiom Brukhan  met with Polish Senator Bogdan Barusevich  to discuss ending Belarus’s political crisis, support and legalization of former political prisoners in Poland, and Coordination Council–Senate cooperation. Senator Barusevich shared his experience of Poland’s democratic transition and stressed that only strong, consistent pressure can force the Lukashenka regime to implement internal reforms. Pavel Latushka noted that Lukashenka’s calls for a “big deal” with the U.S. and EU reflect the weight of sanctions and responsibility for repression. The meeting also addressed support and legalization for political prisoners and their families, and recognized the Coordination Council as a parliament in exile in discussions with the Polish Senate. On 11 November, Pavel Latushka to Participate in Official Polish Independence Day Events On 11 November, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki , Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Belarusian Coordination Council, will take part in official events dedicated to Polish Independence Day. Pavel Latushka will attend the ceremonial changing of the honor guard at Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square with the participation of Polish leadership, the diplomatic corps, and the public, as well as the Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. On 12 November, Pavel Latushka Met with Polish MFA on Human Rights in Belarus On 12 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, met with Adam Krzywosąd, Deputy Director of the Department of Global Policy at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  to discuss the human rights situation in Belarus. Pavel Latushka stressed that the Lukashenka regime has no political will to change its repressive policies, citing the UPR in Geneva on 3 November, the regime’s failure to implement over 220 international recommendations, and its withdrawal from several human rights treaties. He also highlighted the regime’s extraterritorial persecution of Belarusians living in Poland. The meeting focused on cooperation within the OSCE Friends of Democratic Belarus group and the use of international legal mechanisms to hold the regime accountable for human rights violations and transnational crimes. The Polish MFA representative confirmed Poland’s support for Belarusian civil society, including evidence collection and advocacy for justice. Pavel Latushka emphasized that Poland’s role as a leading ally of Belarusian democratic forces is a crucial signal of support in pursuing justice for victims of the regime’s repression both inside Belarus and abroad. On 13 November, Pavel Latushka Met Latvian Special Envoy on Ukraine Recovery On 13 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, met with Juris Poikans, Special Envoy of the Latvian MFA for Ukraine Recovery , to discuss the importance of strategic support for Ukraine and ongoing repression in Belarus. Juris Poikans briefed Pavel Latushka on Latvia’s and other EU countries’ efforts to support Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector. In turn, Pavel Latushka highlighted the scale of repression in Belarus and stressed the need for continued pressure on the Lukashenka regime, which maintains internal repression and aggressive foreign policy. “Lukashenka must understand that there is no prospect of easing EU sanctions without real steps to resolve the deep internal political crisis in Belarus,” Pavel Latushka emphasized. The meeting is part of ongoing consultations ahead of further discussions with Latvian and Estonian MFA officials responsible for cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces, as well as the Danish ambassador, representing the current EU presidency. These follow previous consultations with France, Germany, Sweden, Cyprus (upcoming EU presidency), and the European External Action Service. On 13 November, Pavel Latushka Participates in Baltic Sea Security Conference in Poland On 13 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Belarusian Coordination Council, participated in the conference “Baltic Sea Security – Shared Responsibility of Democratic States” at the Polish Senate, invited by Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska . The conference included Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski , Deputy Marshal of the Senate Maciej Żywna , Chair of the National Defense Committee Senator Mirosław Rugańsk i, and representatives of 40 embassies, organizations, and research institutes from Poland, Finland, the UK, and other countries. Addressing the security of the EU’s eastern border, Pavel Latushka emphasized: “The security of the eastern border directly depends on whether Belarus follows a democratic path. A free and democratic Belarus is a natural guarantee of security for Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and the entire Baltic Sea region.” On 14 November, Pavel Latushka Speaks at the Belarus–Ukraine Forum in Kyiv On 14 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, addressed  the Belarus–Ukraine Forum in Kyiv , emphasizing that Belarus and the Belarusian people are not enemies of Ukraine, while the Lukashenka regime is. Pavel Latushka announced the launch of a project to document facts and circumstances of the crime of aggression committed by the regime’s top military‑political leadership, in line with international criminal justice standards, for future use within a Special Tribunal on aggression against Ukraine. He underlined that a democratic Belarus would never pose a threat to Ukraine and stressed the shared national interests of Belarusians and Ukrainians in holding representatives of the regime accountable — both for the act of aggression and for the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children to Belarus. He noted that NAM has already submitted two communications to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office on this crime. Pavel Latushka also warned that Lukashenka is actively restructuring Belarus to serve wartime needs through military integration with Russia, internal militarization, and unprecedented repression — and that failing to counter this would be a strategic mistake. Achieving democratic change in Belarus, he stressed, is a direct condition for long‑term security and peace in the region. A full version of Pavel Latushka’s address is available on the NAM website . On 14 November, Pavel Latushka Meets German Ambassador in Poland On 14 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, met with Miguel Berger, German Ambassador to Poland , to discuss Belarus’s political situation and ongoing consultations with EU countries. Pavel Latushka stressed that no “deal” with Lukashenka is possible without real domestic reforms in the interest of the Belarusian people. He also briefed the ambassador on efforts to hold Lukashenka and his associates accountable for aggression against Ukraine, the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children, and crimes against humanity against Belarusians. The meeting covered Germany’s support for Belarusian democratic forces within the OSCE Friends of Democratic Belarus group, and transnational repression of Belarusians abroad, including cooperation with Germany’s MFA working group on cross-border crimes. Pavel Latushka continues consultations with EU member states, having already met representatives from France, Germany, Sweden, Cyprus, and Latvia, with an upcoming meeting scheduled with the Danish ambassador, representing the current EU presidency. On 17 November, Pavel Latushka Meets Danish Ambassador in Poland On 17 November, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, together with Coordination Council Speaker Artsiom Brukhan , met with Jakob Henningsen, Danish Ambassador to Poland , to discuss the political situation in Belarus and ongoing international support for democratic institutions. Pavel Latushka emphasized that no “deals” with Lukashenka should be made without real political reforms in the interest of the Belarusian people. He also briefed the ambassador on continued mass repression, the growing number of political prisoners, persecution of civil society, and efforts to hold Lukashenka and his associates accountable for aggression against Ukraine, the war crime of deporting and indoctrinating Ukrainian children, and crimes against humanity against Belarusians. The meeting included discussion of transnational repression of Belarusians abroad and Denmark’s support for Belarusian democratic initiatives within the OSCE. Ambassador Henningsen confirmed Denmark’s principled support for Belarusian democratic institutions and civil society. Pavel Latushka continues consultations with EU countries, having already met representatives and ambassadors from France, Germany, Sweden, Cyprus, Latvia, and Denmark. Pavel Latushka Holds Meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, met with Vasyl Bodnar, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland , to provide information on the repression of Belarusians, the activities of Belarusian democratic forces, and the work of democratic institutions to hold Lukashenka accountable. Coordination Council Speaker Artsiom Brukhan  also participated in the meeting. Pavel Latushka and Artsiom Brukhan emphasized that NAM and the Coordination Council consistently highlight the importance of supporting Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence during meetings with international partners. On 20 November, Pavel Latushka  presented to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs  the proposed strategy for strengthening sanctions pressure on the Lukashenka regime. He stressed the importance of introducing additional EU legal grounds related to the regime’s hybrid aggression against neighbouring states. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Audra Plepyte  and  the Speaker of the Coordination Council, Artsiom Brukhan. During the discussion, Pavel Latushka informed the Lithuanian side about the ongoing work of NAM concerning criminal accountability of regime representatives within the framework of the International Criminal Court, supporting Lithuania’s submission to the ICC regarding crimes against humanity committed by the Lukashenka regime. He also briefed the partners on efforts to collect evidence for a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine and expressed support for Lithuania’s case before the International Court of Justice regarding Belarus’s role in facilitating illegal migration. The parties additionally discussed NAM’s legal initiatives concerning the possible use of OSCE instruments. Pavel Latushka underlined that reopening Belarus–Lithuania border crossings is vital for preserving Belarusians’ access to the European Union and sustaining people-to-people contacts , while noting that Lukashenka and sanctioned regime officials would not benefit from such measures. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining pressure on the regime for its continued internal repression. On 25 November during the celebrations marking t he 18th anniversary of the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk , Pavel Latushka  emphasized that Belarus is an integral part of European solidarity , recalling that the country represented by its people is not a “blank spot” on the map of Europe. Speaking at the historic shipyard, he linked the Belarusian struggle for freedom with the legacy of the Polish Solidarity movement. On behalf of the United Transitional Cabinet, Pavel Latushka presented the medal “For Significant Contribution to the Cause of Belarus”  to  Basil Kerski,  the outgoing Director of the European Solidarity Centre, acknowledging his longstanding support for democratic Belarus. Latushka highlighted Basil Kerski’s role in initiatives such as “Solidarity with Belarus,”  the Day of Dignity, the “Long Live Belarus” exhibition, and the Kościuszko Forum . As a symbolic gesture, he gifted Kerski a traditional Belarusian shirt, recalling Czesław Niemen’s iconic 1967 performance in Sopot. Pavel Latushka also addressed Polish civil society in Gdynia as a former ambassador, a Laureate of the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award, and a representative of Belarus’ democratic forces. His speech, organized by the Lech Wałęsa Institute under a special program of the Polish MFA, underscored that Belarusians continue their struggle despite repression, thousands of political prisoners, and mass forced displacement. The events were attended by Lech Wałęsa and prominent Polish officials, underscoring ongoing solidarity between Poland and democratic Belarus. On 28 November 2025, an informational meeting for Belarusian citizens residing in Poland was held in Warsaw  to address issues related to pensions and social benefits. The event was initiated by Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, and organised by the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy  and the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) . Several dozen Belarusians attended, and many additional questions were submitted through NAM’s chatbot by those unable to participate in person. Pavel Latushka expressed gratitude to the Polish institutions for their support and willingness to provide Belarusian residents with clear information on Poland’s social security regulations. Representatives of ZUS, including Tomasz Szabliński ,  Head of the Supervision and Customer Service Division at the Department of International Benefits and Insurance , presented key rules regarding pension eligibility for Belarusians living in Poland. They clarified that at least one contribution to ZUS is required to qualify for a Polish pension; that Polish pensions are granted according to Polish retirement age (65 for men and 60 for women), even for those already receiving a Belarusian pension; and that only permanent residents can request a transfer of their Belarusian pension to a Polish account. Minimum pension thresholds and contribution requirements were explained, as well as limitations — such as the inability to transfer military pensions under the bilateral agreement. Belarusians may apply for pensions or transfers either at their local ZUS branch or directly through the First ZUS Branch in Łódź , which administers the Belarus–Poland agreement. Pavel Latushka also announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated Belarusian-language information portal  aimed at assisting Belarusians living in Poland with issues such as social support, legalisation, employment, education, healthcare, and pensions. NAM will soon publish detailed materials, including ZUS’s presentation and answers to all submitted questions, across its communication channels. Additional responses from ZUS experts will be provided to address inquiries received shortly before the event. Also on November 28 at the Congress of Young European Conservatives and Reformists  held in Lublin on 27–29 November, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, Pavel Latushka , participated in the panel discussion “Poles in the East: European Solidarity in Practice.”  The event gathered prominent Polish political figures, including President Karol Nawrocki , and featured the participation of MEP Małgorzata Gosiewska , Chair of the Delegation for relations with Belarus. Latushka stressed that solidarity with the Belarusian people begins with remaining attentive to the situation in Belarus. During the discussion, he urged European partners not to “build a wall ” isolating Belarusians, emphasising that the Belarusian nation is historically a part of Europe, not Russia. While advocating for the strongest possible sanctions against the Lukashenka regime — given that the dictator “understands only the language of force”  — he underscored the importance of keeping borders open for ordinary Belarusians so they can travel to Poland, the EU, and other countries. Pavel Latushka highlighted several dimensions of solidarity: informational support for independent media and civic initiatives, political backing for democratic institutions, and legal efforts to ensure international accountability for the regime. He also noted that the security of Europe depends, in part, on the future of Belarus. Addressing what he called the “Belarusian balcony” as a growing risk to European and Ukrainian security, Latushka argued for the need for a proactive strategy to bring about democratic change in Belarus. Such change must be driven primarily by Belarusians themselves, he said, but cannot succeed without sustained international solidarity. He concluded by stressing that Lukashenka will always remain aligned with Russia, and therefore support must focus on the Belarusian people, who alone can guarantee the country’s independence. On 2 December, Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, spoke at the international forum “Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy,” focusing on “Democracy and International Security: Human Rights Defenders at the Forefront of Freedom.”  Pavel Latushka highlighted the scale of repression in Belarus , noting that since the 2020 presidential campaign, 4,278 people have been recognized as political prisoners, with over 1,250 still detained.  He emphasized that tens of thousands of Belarusians have faced various forms of persecution, and around 600,000 have been forced to leave the country. Latushka stressed that repression is intensifying and expanding beyond Belarus, citing nearly 970 criminal cases against Belarusians abroad this year alone , primarily in Poland and Lithuania. He outlined NAM’s key initiatives to address these challenges: legal actions to hold regime officials accountable, targeted national and international sanctions, communications with the ICC regarding illegal deportations of Ukrainian children, and advocacy for sanctions packages in the EU, US, Canada, and the UK, which now include hundreds of regime-affiliated enterprises and more than 400 individuals . Addressing international partners, Pavel Latushka warned that Lukashenka seeks to lift sanctions without meaningful reforms, stressing that pressure must continue until repressions end and national dialogue begins. He called for full use of political and legal instruments, emphasizing that partial measures are insufficient and that democratic change in Belarus requires both sustained support from partners and active engagement by Belarusians themselves. The panel was organized by the Center for International Relations with support from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Support NAM — One Cup of Coffee at a Time We've launched a page on Buy Me a Coffee  — a simple way to support the work of the National Anti-Crisis Management . Some of you have already contributed — thank you! Your support helps us: Defend the rights of Belarusians in exile; Keep Belarus on the global agenda; Push for accountability for regime crimes and support sanctions enforcement; Run advocacy and media campaigns. Even the cost of one coffee makes a difference. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/belarus_nau No support is too small. Every cup counts for a free Belarus. Thank you! Long live Belarus! 🤍❤️🤍 Analytical and reading materials 1. A European Parliament resolution on the situation in Belarus is being prepared . The text reports that the Latushka Team and the Movement For Freedom  faction submitted key proposals to the upcoming European Parliament resolution on Belarus, emphasizing accountability for Lukashenka’s regime, support for democratic institutions, and conditions for normalizing EU–Belarus relations.  2. The EU Increases Pressure on the Lukashenka Regime: Three Banks with Russian Capital from Belarus Fall Under EU Sanctions . The text reports that on October 23, 2025, the European Union adopted a new sanctions package targeting Belarusian banks and entities linked to the Lukashenka regime’s cooperation with Russia, following earlier proposals by Pavel Latushka and the United Transitional Cabinet , aimed at blocking financial channels used to evade sanctions and support aggression against Ukraine. Interviews and articles in international media Freedom , «Осеннее обострение» : заявления Лукашенко проанализировал Латушко — Freedom  Freedom , 5 тысяч автомобилей на литовских номерах находятся в заложниках у Лукашенко, — Латушко  Freedom , Диктатор Лукашенко признал, что белорусские бизнесмены занимаются контрабандой …  Сейчас , ТЕРМІНОВО! МАСШТАБНИЙ НАЛІТ З НЕБА БІЛОРУСІ. На кордоні ЄС БЛОКАДА …  FREEДОМ , Лукашенко ведет переговоры и тут же «посылает» американцев?! Павел Латушко. FREEДОМ …  UKR.NET , 5 тисяч автомобілів на литовських номерах перебувають у заручниках у Лукашенка, — Латушко  Fakt.pl , Paweł Łatuszka reaguje na słowa Łukaszenki. "To jest absolutne kłamstwo"  Onet Wiadomości , Zabójstwo 25-letniej Lizy w Warszawie. Sąd podjął decyzję w sprawie Doriana S.  Прямий , Прямой эфир 04.11.2025  WP Wiadomości , Alaksandr Łukaszenka w tarapatach finansowych. Opozycjonista: teraz należy go docisnąć  TVN24 , Miał obiecać łapówkę ministrowi z Kenii. Nowe zarzuty dla przedsiębiorcy powiązanego z …  Реальная Беларусь , Павел Латушко прокоментировал снятия санкций с Белавиа и и самолетов диктатора Лукашенко.  Голованов , АТУШКО. ЛУКАШЕНКО СТРОИТ БУНКЕР В СОЧИ! Средний сын ВНЕЗАПНО ИСЧЕЗ. Беларусь раздели ДО НИТКИ  Узлова Talks , Армия Беларуси НАМЫЛИЛАСЬ в Украину! Лукашенко ОЗВЕРЕЛ: выдвинул УЛЬТИМАТУМ ЕС и грозит ОРЕШНИКОМ  24 Канал , ЛАТУШКО: Лукашенко СРОЧНО ПОДНЯЛ ВОЙСКО! Беларусь АТАКУЕТ Литву.Трамп ДАЛ ОТМАШКУ на ЭТО  Одеса.live , ЛАТУШКО: Лукашенко в панике! ПУТИН ЗАБРАЛ ПУЛЬТ ОТ «ОРЕШНИКА». Летит ЧЕРНЫЙ ЛЕБЕДЬ.  Киев 24 , Прямой эфир 04.11.2025  Фабрика Новин , ПОБЕГ ЛУКАШЕНКА ИЗ БЕЛАРУСИ! ВЛАСТЬ УЖЕ В РУКАХ КГБ. Семья диктатора СРОЧНО СТРОИТ БУНКЕРЫ. Латушко  Polskie Radio , Warsaw court upholds life sentence for 2024 rape and murder of Belarusian woman  DW , Así entrena Bielorrusia escolares para la guerra – DW – 06/11/2025  Diario Cambio 22 , Régimen de Lukashenko en Bielorrusia Entrena a Escolares para la Guerra  Yahoo Noticias , Militarización de los niños en Bielorrusia: la estrategia de supervivencia de Lukashenko  Trn.mk , Деца во Белорусија учат да пукаат и војуваат во воени кампови — Trn.mk  RTCG , „Патриотски“ одгој деце: „Какав моћан тенк!“ — RTCG  AAAJ , Bielorrusia entrena a escolares para una guerra “caliente” para defender a Lukashenko  Кумановски Муабети , Децата во Белорусија во воени логори учат да пукаат и да се борат  TVP Info , Rok białoruskiej agentury: Zdrady, prowokacje, raporty po 20 dolarów — TVP Info  Polskie Radio , Польшча распачала крымінальную справу за спробу вярбоўкі лукашэнкаўскімі …  Європейська правда , У Польщі розслідують спроби режиму Лукашенка завербувати білоруських опозиціонерів  RMF24 , KGB próbuje werbować w Polsce. Prokuratura wszczyna śledztwo - RMF24  Onet Wiadomości , KGB próbuje werbować w Polsce. "Wykorzystują szantaż" — Onet Wiadomości  Do Rzeczy , Białoruskie służby werbują w Polsce. Będzie śledztwo - Do Rzeczy  Kresy.pl , KGB próbowało werbować działaczy w Polsce. Prokuratura wszczyna śledztwo — Kresy.pl   BOMEGA , KGB próbuje werbować w Polsce. Prokuratura wszczyna śledztwo | BOMEGA  Апостроф , Польша расследует попытки Лукашенко завербовать белорусских оппозиционеров  TVP Info , Militaryzacja dzieci, pranie mózgów. Białoruś szykuje się do wojny  DW , Białoruś. Jak Łukaszenka przygotowuje dzieci do wojny — DW  Wiadomości — Gazeta.pl , KGB próbuje werbować w Polsce. 'Wciela w życie ponure plany'. Wszczęto śledztwo  wMeritum.pl , KGB aktywne w Polsce. Werbują przez szantaż — wMeritum.pl   Резонанс , Польша расследует вербовку белорусских оппозиционеров — Резонанс  unn.ua , Poland investigates KGB attempts to recruit Belarusian opposition members  Kyiv24.news , У Польщі розслідують спроби режиму Лукашенка завербувати білоруських опозиціонерів  eurointegration.com.ua , В Польше расследуют попытки режима Лукашенко завербовать белорусских оппозиционеров   UKR.NET , У Польщі розслідують спроби режиму Лукашенка завербувати білоруських опозиціонерів   UA.NEWS , Поляки зацікавились спробами завербувати білоруських опозиціонерів спецслужбами …  Kyiv24.new s , У Польщі розслідують спроби режиму Лукашенка завербувати білоруських опозиціонерів  Freeдом , Шаг к диалогу или новая игра Белого дома: зачем Трамп назначил спецпосланника в …  GuildHall , Польша расследует попытки вербовки белорусских оппозиционеров спецслужбами Лукашенко  Polskie Radio 24 , KGB chce werbować w Polsce. Szantaż, przekupstwo, oferty "czystej karty" — Polska  Onet , Masowa militaryzacja dzieci na Białorusi. Jak reżim Łukaszenki przygotowuje młodzież do wojny  wPolityce , Reżim Łukaszenki masowo militaryzuje białoruskie dzieci - wPolityce  DW , «Это концлагерь». Вышел доклад об ИК в Новополоцке – DW – 13.11.2025  DW , Польша откроет границу — экономическая ситуация в Беларуси улучшится? — DW  Gazeta Wyborcza , Dwa przejścia z Białorusią zostaną otwarte. Powstają też kolejne bariery na granicy  Сейчас , ЗНАЙШЛИ ПОЗАШЛЮБНУ ДОНЬКУ ЛУКАШЕНКА! Бацька від неї ВІДМОВИВСЯ. На трон …  Дмитрий Гордон , ШОКИРУЮЩИЙ приказ Зеленского Сырскому! Этого Путин точно НЕ ПЕРЕЖИВЕТ! – экс-министр Латушко  Revista Oeste , Bielorrússia intensifica treinamento militar de crianças e adolescentes em escolas  Freedom , Беларусь как канал связи между США и Кремлем: дипломатия на грани нервов  LA.LV , VIDEO. “Diemžēl bažas apstiprinājās.” Polijā nopietns sabotāžas akts uz dzelzceļa |  Podcasty TOK FM , "Walczę z tym reżimem i chce zwyciężyć" — Paweł Łatuszka o groźbach Łukaszenki  Niezależna , Busy z Doniecka i Mariupola do Warszawy bez przeszkód jeżdżą po Polsce. Gdzie są służby?  Polskie Radio , Павал Латушка: Мы адкрылі прававую сцежку для ахвяр вярбоўкі КДБ, якая дазваляе …  UOL Notícias , Como o governo de Belarus treina crianças para a guerra — O POVO  LNG in Northern BC , “What an exciting tank!” Belarus trains children for war alongside Russia  ZAP Notícias - Aeiou , "Que tanque emocionante!". Bielorrússia treina crianças para uma guerra ao lado da Rússia  Polskie Radio , Ці ў Польшчы бяспечна знаходзіцца беларусам, якія актыўна дзейнічаюць у жыцці …  Gazeta Wyborcza , Zero nielegalnych przejść na granicy z Białorusią.'To na pewno nie jest przypadek'  Newsweek , Małżeńskie scysje, molestowanie i tajemnicze zniknięcie. Zła passa białoruskiej opozycji trwa  Gazeta Wyborcza , Pojechaliśmy na ponownie otwarte przejście z Białorusią. 'Przez cztery lata życie tu zamarło'  Фабрика Новин , НАЗВАЛИ МІСЦЕ ПЕРЕГОВОРІВ УКРАЇНИ ТА РФ! Ось хто буде ПОСЕРЕДНИКОМ …  Фабрика Новин , А ОСЬ І ВЕСЬ ПЛАН ТРАМПА! Приниження Зеленського В МІНСЬКУ. Лукашенко випросив ...

P. Latushka at the international forum “Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy,” Warsaw, Poland, 2025. Source: NAM Media The Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), Pavel Latushka, spoke at the international forum "Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy", dedicated to the theme " Democracy and International Security: Human Rights Defenders on the Frontline of Freedom " . Facts of Repression and the Scale of the Tragedy Pavel Latushka began with concrete figures: since the start of the 2020 presidential campaign, 4,278 people  in Belarus have been recognized as political prisoners. Today, more than 1,250 political prisoners  remain in places of detention. However, experts believe the real number may be two to three times higher . Repressions have affected tens of thousands of Belarusians: at least 100,000 people  have gone through various forms of political repression. About 600,000 people  have been forced to leave the country — 6.4% of Belarus’s population . The Regime Is Intensifying Terror and Militarization The Deputy Head of the UTC noted that repression is not stopping but intensifying: since the most recent release of 39 political prisoners on September 11 , 345 new criminal political prosecutions  have been recorded and 158 new political prisoners  recognized — four times more  than were released. Pavel Latushka cited a telling fact from Belarus’s budget: in the 2026 budget , spending on security forces and courts will increase by 25%  and amount to almost €2 billion , while the budget itself is planned with a deficit. This indicates that the regime plans to continue repression, which is becoming a system-forming foundation  of Lukashenko’s regime. P. Latushka at the international forum “Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy,” Warsaw, Poland, 2025. Source: NAM Media Transnational Repression and a Threat to Europe The politician emphasized that repression has gone beyond Belarus’s borders: since the beginning of this year alone, at least 970 criminal cases  have been initiated against Belarusians abroad, mainly in Poland and Lithuania . In absentia sentences , property confiscation , and threats of reprisals  are widely used. As an example of extraterritorial actions, Pavel Latushka cited the designation of the Cabinet as a " terrorist organization ". Strategy: Eliminate the Root Cause Pavel Latushka presented the key areas of NAM’s work: preparation of legal initiatives to hold perpetrators accountable; sanctions policy (national and supranational, economic and personal sanctions); communications with the ICC in The Hague regarding the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children; initiation, with NAM’s support, of submissions to the ICC concerning crimes against Belarusians; EU, U.S., Canadian, and UK sanctions packages (sanctions lists include hundreds of enterprises, entire sectors of the economy, as well as more than 400 individuals  of the regime). Answering the question of what can be done to support Belarusians’ democratic aspirations, Pavel Latushka especially emphasized accountability , because without the use of international law and legal instruments by EU partners, Belarusians lose faith in democracy and in the effectiveness of international institutions. The Deputy Head of the UTC noted that today a situation of a cumulative sanctions effect  is taking shape, the potential of which must be used to force the regime to change its internal repressive and external aggressive policies. Pavel Latushka gave an example of the effectiveness of legal actions in the international arena: the submission of communications to the ICC regarding the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children to Belarus and their indoctrination effectively stopped these actions by the regime . Appeal to Partners Addressing partners, Pavel Latushka noted that the regime seeks the lifting of sanctions without real changes in policy , making only cosmetic steps. The mistakes of past years must not be repeated.  Pressure must be maintained until real steps are taken: the cessation of repression and the launch of a national dialogue in the format of a Round Table . The Deputy Head of the UTC emphasized that the democratic forces have political institutions, recognition, and partner support, while partners have an instrument — sanctions . Their partial lifting is possible only  on the condition of a genuine dialogue and political change. The panel within the framework of the forum "Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy", at which Pavel Latushka spoke, was organized by the Center for International Relations  with the support of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Photo: Belsat On November 28, 2025, an information meeting was held in Warsaw for Belarusians living in Poland, dedicated to issues of pension provision and social benefits. During the meeting, dozens of questions were asked, which were answered by Tomasz Szabliński , Head of the Department of Supervision and Customer Service at the Department of International Payments and Insurance of ZUS, and other ZUS specialists, who explained in detail the rights of Belarusians to pensions and social benefits in Poland. Below you can read in detail the answers to questions from ZUS representatives. Clarification:  this material was prepared by the NAM team based on answers from ZUS specialists. However, it is important in case of any questions to clarify all the details of your personal situation directly with the Polish Social Insurance Institution: www.zus.pl , and also to rely on information published on official Polish government websites. Who is covered by the 2019 bilateral Belarusian-Polish social security agreement? It applies to all persons engaged in activities related to social insurance in Belarus and Poland. The main feature of this agreement is that its application does not depend on citizenship. Citizens of third countries can also claim benefits under the terms of this agreement if they have insurance periods in Poland and Belarus. The group of persons entitled to benefits under this agreement is essentially determined by whether they were covered by the social security systems of Poland and Belarus; citizenship itself is not taken into account when applying this agreement. Anyone who has insurance periods in Poland and Belarus and wishes to apply for any of the benefits covered by this agreement can use the provisions of the social security agreement. What types of benefits are covered by the 2019 Belarusian-Polish bilateral social security agreement? This list covers the benefits provided by the legislation of each country. From the Polish side, there is a certain group of benefits that can be obtained taking into account the provisions of the agreement. The same applies to the Belarusian side. In Poland, this refers to old-age pensions, disability pensions, that is, benefits for people who have not reached retirement age but are unable to work due to reasons beyond their control. Survivor pensions are benefits provided to family members of deceased insured persons or deceased pensioners. Pensions for accidents at work and occupational diseases are a special type of disability pension related to risks of accidents and diseases. Funeral benefits are a special type of benefit provided to persons who covered funeral expenses for a pensioner or a person insured in the social security system of one country. This agreement covers benefits administered by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), that is, the general social security system for employees, as well as persons covered by the system administered by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS). This insurance applies to persons who are farmers in Poland and engaged in agricultural activity. From the Belarusian side, the agreement covers workers' pensions, the full list of pensions, including old-age pensions, disability pensions, survivor pensions, and a special pension whose amount depends on work experience. Benefits for accidents at work and occupational diseases also include one-time and periodic payments, as well as funeral benefits. What is the social insurance system in Poland? Poland, so to speak, forms its social security system with special laws. There is a general law on the social security system in Poland, which contains provisions regulating the organization and financing of the social security system. It also contains provisions regarding the principles of social security in Poland. It should also be noted that these provisions, arising from this law and pension legislation, do not contain a citizenship criterion. Therefore, regardless of citizenship, a person can be covered by the Polish social security system if certain conditions are met. Thus, if a foreigner is employed in Poland, regardless of whether Poland has a social security agreement with their country or not, by being hired, they naturally use employment forms in accordance with the current legislation. Such a person is included in the Polish social insurance system because participation in it for employees or self-employed persons is mandatory, and regardless of whether they are citizens of Poland or another country, they can join this system, of course, under the conditions established by specific Polish insurance rules. However, when it comes to determining benefits, it is precisely these rules that define both the list of benefits and the conditions for obtaining them. There are two fundamental laws in Poland: the law on old-age pensions and disability pensions from social insurance funds, and the law on social security in case of accidents at work and occupational diseases. Old-age and disability pensions are regulated by these laws, and the conditions for receiving them are described therein. How is the pension system in Poland organized? In 1999, Poland carried out a large-scale reform of the pension system, which primarily consisted of creating individual insurance accounts for insured persons. Since 1999, all contributions paid by Polish employers to ZUS for social insurance are recorded on the individual insurance account of the employee registered in the system. From that moment, a full review of contributions recorded in the account has been maintained so that each insured worker can check the balance of their insurance account. At the same time, the reform introduced pensions based on insurance contributions for persons born after December 31, 1948. Persons born before January 1, 1949, remained in the so-called old pension system. However, persons born on or after January 1, 1949, moved to the new, reformed pension system. This is a very significant difference for these persons in terms of pension rights. This group of persons born before January 1, 1949, can receive a pension upon reaching retirement age and confirming a certain work experience. What is the minimum length of insurance required to receive a minimum pension in Poland? For women, this period is 20 years; for men, 25 years. Pensions can also be received at an earlier age, that is, with 15 years of experience for women and 20 years for men, but the minimum pension guarantee does not apply to such pensions. Anyone who has worked 20 years (women) and 25 years (men) can receive the minimum pension, even if the calculation is lower than the paid pension contributions. The amount of this pension will be lower. However, pensions for shorter work experience, i.e., 15 and 20 years, are not increased to the minimum pension amount. As you can see, this benefit is paid for work experience, but it can fall under the Polish-Belarusian social security agreement. That is, if someone does not have such an insurance period in Poland, the Polish-Belarusian agreement can be applied to include Belarusian insurance periods to reach the minimum insurance period, i.e., 20–25 years. But in general, in Poland, there is no requirement for work experience to receive a pension. One month of work — you have the right to a pension; one year of work — you have the right to a pension. Of course, provided contributions to the social insurance fund are paid, because the benefit amount depends on the sum of contributions recorded in the account, not on work experience. How is the pension amount determined in Poland? The amount of the pension is determined by contributions — the sum of contributions credited to the individual insurance account, which has been created in Poland for each insured person since January 1999. Of course, in Poland, for those who worked before 1999, foreigners arriving now rarely have contributions from before 1999. However, for reconstructing these contributions for the period before 1999, an initial capital is established. This is a hypothetical pension to which these persons would have been entitled at the end of 1998, and this capital is recorded in the individual insurance account. This capital also serves as the basis for calculating the new, reformed pension. Thus, today, a person who worked in Poland for one month, one year, or five years will receive a pension for this period. Of course, the amount of this pension will directly depend on the contributions credited to the individual insurance account. These contributions are indexed in special indexation cycles at the time of receiving or establishing the pension right, to reflect actual value. Then, using a mathematical algorithm, the monthly payment is calculated by dividing the sum of invested capital and contributions by the average life expectancy of the pensioner — the so-called GUS index. This index provides values established by the Central Statistical Office (GUS), which determines these life expectancy indicators for different age groups of insured persons. Through this mathematical operation, the pension amount is determined. Old-age pensions in Poland can be received after reaching a certain age. What is this age?In Poland, the retirement age is 60 for women and 65 for men. This differs from Belarus. Today in Belarus it is 58 and 63 years.  In any case, this is also a reality determined by the specifics of the insurance systems of both countries, but if a person reaches Belarusian retirement age and works in Poland, then under this agreement, there is no obstacle to receiving the Belarusian pension at this age. Thus, one can apply for the transfer of a Belarusian pension to Poland if living in Poland under the bilateral agreement, and receive this pension in a Polish bank account. However, even if someone already receives a Belarusian pension, they can receive the Polish one only after reaching Polish retirement age, i.e., 60 for women and 65 for men. In Poland, there are certain professional groups that can receive pensions at a lower age. Mainly, these are pensions for work in special conditions or of a special nature. Thus, for some professional groups, retirement age may be reduced, for example, by 5 years, i.e., 60 for men and 55 for women. But these are special cases . In addition, work in these special conditions requires appropriate experience. Usually, this is 15 years of work in special conditions. Special documents are also required to confirm these periods, as these are generally individual cases. A work certificate with appropriate content allows qualifying this experience in special conditions for pension assignment according to Polish law. Is there a disability pension in Poland and how to get it? The disability pension is an important benefit, as it is intended for economically active people insured in Poland who have lost their ability to work due to health reasons. The main condition for receiving a Polish disability pension is incapacity to work, i.e., a certain health condition. Incapacity to perform work to a certain degree is essential. However, it is not about the degree of disability or a percentage of deterioration. We always talk about health status that affects the ability to perform work. Incapacity is assessed by medical experts from ZUS. Based on medical documentation and examination results, they issue disability certificates for pension assignment. The second condition is insurance experience. This benefit can be obtained under the Polish-Belarusian agreement with the principle of summing insurance periods. For this pension, experience is required. It concerns people already working in a specialty and over 30 years old. However, age 30 does not mean that five years of insurance can only be obtained after reaching 30. For younger persons, a shorter period is required — from one to five years. Each of these insurance period requirements can be met with the principle of summing insurance periods. This means the five-year experience must be completed within the last ten years before applying for a disability pension or before the onset of incapacity. If there is no five-year period in Poland, but there is Belarusian coverage, this period can be supplemented by Belarusian experience. Incapacity must also occur during employment or no later than 18 months after dismissal, which should be considered when applying for benefits. And, of course, this pension is available only to those who do not have the right to an old-age pension or do not meet its conditions. That is, those who have not yet reached retirement age but did not apply for a pension. When reaching, for example, 60, they cannot claim a disability pension. Is there a survivor’s pension in Poland and how to get it? This is also a fairly important benefit, as it is intended to support family members of a deceased insured person or deceased pensioner. According to Polish law, the survivor’s pension is assigned to family members of a person who, at the time of death, already had an established right to an old-age or disability pension, or met the conditions for such a pension. And of course, if the person had already reached retirement age but had not yet applied for a pension, the basis for its calculation will be the pension they would have been entitled to. However, if the person has not yet reached retirement age, the basis for determining the survivor’s pension will be the disability pension, since it is assumed that the deceased, who had not reached retirement age, was incapacitated at the time of death. Which family members can claim this benefit? Primarily, children: both biological and adopted. Applications can be submitted by spouses. In some cases, the parents of the deceased pensioner, pension recipient, or deceased insured person may also apply. Children are entitled to the survivor’s pension until they reach 16 years old, and if they are still studying, until 25 years old. However, if they continue studying and finish at 26, they can receive this benefit until the completion of education. Children who are fully disabled, and if this disability arose before age 16, can apply even if they continue education past 25. As for spouses, there are several conditions. The most important is age. The survivor’s pension is available to spouses who reached 50 at the time of the death of their husband/wife, are incapacitated, or are raising children under 16, or if children are still studying, are incapacitated until 18. A widow who has reached 50 or lost her ability to work after the death of her husband, but no later than five years after his death or after the cessation of raising children under 16 or 18, may also apply. Polish law has a rule that the survivor’s pension is assigned to one person regardless of the number of family members. This means that if both a widow and a child are entitled to a pension, the pension is divided equally between them. If there are two children, the pension is divided equally between the widow and the two children. If there are only children, the pension is divided equally among the children entitled to it, and this division is always equal. However, the pension amount varies depending on the number of family members entitled to it. If only one person is entitled, the payment is 85% of the pension the deceased had or would have been entitled to. If there are two entitled persons, it is 90%, and if three or more, 95% of the deceased’s pension. Photo: Belsat Is there a funeral benefit in Poland? The funeral benefit is intended for people who covered funeral expenses for a deceased pensioner or insured person. Those who covered the funeral costs of a Polish pensioner, even if the pensioner is a Belarusian living in Poland, will receive this payment. If such a person lives, for example, in Belarus, this payment can be transferred to their bank account in Belarus. How does the principle of summing insurance periods work under the bilateral Belarusian-Polish social security agreement? This is perhaps the most important principle of bilateral coordination in Polish-Belarusian relations, as it allows foreign insurance periods to be considered when determining entitlement to Polish benefits. Of course, the agreement provides that only non-overlapping periods can be summed. If someone was insured in Poland and Belarus simultaneously, for example, if they were working in Belarus and running a business in Poland before the agreement came into force, overlapping periods are not summed. Only periods not included in the insurance periods recorded in the other country’s system may be taken into account. For example, a person has 5 years of insurance in Poland, but this does not give the right to a minimum Polish pension, because 25 years of experience are required for such a pension. But they also have 20 years of experience in Belarus, so in total 25 years of insurance experience, and they now have the right to a minimum Polish pension. This pension will be assigned. If disability occurred in Belarus, can one claim a disability benefit in Poland and under what circumstances? In this case, the principle of recognizing insurance events applies. A disability pension can be assigned if the disability occurred during employment or no later than 18 months after dismissal. If the last place of work was in Belarus and this work was within the 18 months required by Polish law, we will consider this event as having occurred in Poland and consider the requirement of continuing work within 18 months fulfilled. Can I be assigned a pension in Poland if I continue working?Polish law contains a provision in Article 103a of the Pensions Act, which states that the right to a Polish pension is suspended if the employee continues working and does not resign at the moment the right arises. In other words, to receive a pension, a person must resign on the day the right arises. After receiving the pension, they may resume work and continue regardless of working hours and salary. However, upon retirement, the person must terminate the employment contract, and this also applies to the principle of recognition of employment events abroad. Whether in Belarus or another country, such as Germany or Spain, the employment termination condition must be observed. Can I receive a Belarusian pension in Poland? The 2019 bilateral agreement allows Belarusian pensions to be paid in Poland, and Polish pensions — in Belarus. Of course, the recipient’s will is decisive in determining whether they want the transfer. If they decide they want it, in the application for the Polish pension they indicate that they want it transferred to Belarus, provide a bank account, and the benefit is transferred, converted. However, if someone wants to receive a Belarusian pension in Poland, they can also submit such an application. If the recipient has a bank account in Poland, we inform the Belarusian institution of the Polish account number, and this pension will be transferred there. The basis for transferring benefits to the country of residence is permanent residence in that country. This means that people permanently residing in Poland can use this transfer principle. The same applies to transferring Polish benefits to Belarus. Where can I submit an application for transferring a Belarusian pension to Poland? ZUS has a special department dealing with persons who have insurance periods in Poland and Belarus, as well as persons with Polish insurance periods but living in Belarus. This is the first department of ZUS in Łódź — the Department for Implementation of International Agreements. All applications from persons wishing to use benefits under this agreement are processed by this department, regardless of the place of application. Can I receive the minimum Polish pension after working in Poland for just a few months and paying ZUS contributions? The Belarusian-Polish agreement provides the possibility of receiving a subsidy up to the minimum pension for persons with a short insurance period in Poland but who have worked in Belarus, because, according to Polish law, such an increase of the new reformed pension up to the minimum can be granted to a person who has the necessary insurance period. This period  is 20 years for women  and 25 years for men . A person residing in Poland with permanent resident status but without sufficient Polish insurance period of this length can use the principle of summing insurance periods.  If this period totals 20 or 25 years, ZUS will provide such a subsidy (allowance) up to the minimum Polish pension.  The only requirement is that these insurance periods must be confirmed by the Belarusian side (FSSN) according to the provisions of the social security agreement. Here, when calculating this allowance, the difference is between the current minimum Polish pension, which is currently almost 1900 zlotys , and the amount of the assigned Belarusian pension. Where and how can I submit an application for a pension in Poland? To apply for a pension in Poland, you need to contact a ZUS branch or subdivision at your place of residence, using one of the following forms: pension application, disability pension application, or survivor’s pension application. ZUS has a special form for each of these benefits, and of course, you also need to document your employment history in the ERP-6 ZUS form, indicating periods of work in Poland and periods of work in Belarus. Until the applicant decides whether to apply in Belarus, no information provided to ZUS will be transmitted abroad. This application, even if it initially contains information about work in Belarus, will not be processed in Belarus if the applicant does not wish to contact the Belarusian institution. It is important to indicate the PESEL number in this application, as it serves as the identifier for the benefit, allowing ZUS to register the case and subsequently fulfill all additional obligations such as taxes and medical insurance registration. How can I contact ZUS?You can contact us via hotline or through trusted profiles (Profil Zaufany). We recommend creating a trusted profile on the ZUS platform, as it allows direct electronic communication with ZUS. Just go to the ZUS website, enter your ID, and create it. You can also communicate through an electronic visit. This is an electronic form of communication with ZUS in the form of a video conference with an employee. You can schedule such a visit or discussion with a ZUS branch employee in Łódź who handles individual cases and personal applications. On the institution’s website www.zus.pl , all these services for clients are presented, and under the “benefits” tab, all information regarding benefits under the Belarusian-Polish social security agreement is available. I would like to ask ZUS representatives what coefficient will be used to calculate my pension here in Poland if, when applying, I receive a certificate of employment from Belarus?I have already contacted the local ZUS branch but have not yet received an answer. I was only told to contact them a month before turning 60 to submit an application at my place of residence in Belarus. After working three years here as a part-time cleaner, I will earn 50 zlotys, and I will not be able to live on this money. The woman who asked this question said she worked part-time for three years and, according to her preliminary calculations, her pension will be 50 zlotys. Therefore, it can be assumed that, since she works part-time, she is employed under a labor contract and probably earns a relatively low salary, and therefore pays small contributions. Her short insurance period means her Polish pension, based on low contributions, may also be relatively low. This is a reformed pension, meaning it may be a low pension. For this woman to receive the minimum Polish pension, which is currently about 1900 zlotys, it will be necessary to prove that she meets the conditions required for this increase to the minimum. First, she must consent to cooperation between ZUS and the Belarusian institution. Then, the total employment period must be determined — not just three years in Poland, but 20 years of combined Polish and Belarusian insurance periods. The amount of the Belarusian pension must also be determined. We need to check whether the Polish pension corresponds to the actual amount of the Belarusian pension. Then, the two pensions are summed, and the difference between the minimum pension in Poland and the difference between the two actual pensions — Polish and Belarusian — is determined. Only then can it be established whether she is eligible for the minimum pension. It turns out that the applicant can receive a pension, but the way it is calculated depends on several factors, and it will become clear when she submits the application. I am sorry that my unregistered pension has been lost for almost two years. I have been paying pension contributions for 35 years and have earned nothing. I would like to receive at least the minimum subsistence. Who can help me in my situation? You are probably talking about 35 years of contributions in total, including Belarus. Most of your contributions were probably paid in Belarus. Therefore, your entire professional life is summed. The Belarusian-Polish agreement provides that each country pays and finances benefits for its own periods. This is the essence of any social security agreement. Whether it is an agreement with Belarus, EU agreements, or an agreement with Ukraine, the principle is the same. Each country pays for its own periods. The existence of rules for summing periods for determining pension entitlement does not mean that the other country pays for periods in another country. In this way, you can obtain the Belarusian pension and an allowance up to the minimum Polish pension, according to the principle of summing periods. However, certificates of employment periods should be submitted through the Belarusian pension fund (FSSN) and through ZUS to receive the pension in Poland. Pensions will be proportionally determined by both institutions. What if, for some reason, the Belarusian side does not respond to a pension request from Poland? ZUS can request justification from the Belarusian side. Considering the lack of response to the application, we can send reminders at various levels: first at the branch level, then from the central office of ZUS, and even from the head of ZUS. If there are any actions indicating intentional or unlawful behavior by the Belarusian side, the issue can be escalated to the relevant authorities, i.e., submitted to the ministry and the cause determined in each case. However, it is important to note that ZUS has not observed any intentional concealment of information by the Belarusian side so far. If I am under international protection in Poland, does ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) send requests to Belarus in my situation? I would not like the Belarusian side to know my place of residence in Poland. You must confirm in writing your willingness for your data to be transferred to Belarus. We always follow the applicant’s wishes. A person under international protection can also apply to ZUS, but if they do not want to disclose their data or apply for Belarusian benefits, we do not conduct any business with the Belarusian side. We do not disclose any data. We do not say that the person lives in Poland; we simply do not take any action toward Belarus. However, as a rule, in any similar situation, for those under protection or not wishing to interact with FSSN, ZUS must comply with the applicant’s request. I receive a pension in Belarus. I will turn 60 in 2026. I have been working in Poland for four years. Can I claim the minimum Polish pension if I have 35 years of work experience in Belarus? How many years do I need to work in Poland to transfer the pension and receive it under Polish law? Each country pays for its own insurance periods. This means we cannot act on the principle: I worked in Belarus for 35 years, I move to Poland, and Poland will pay a pension for those periods in Belarus. We can pay a Polish pension only for the Polish insurance period or increase it to the minimum if the total Polish and Belarusian insurance periods amount to 20 or 25 years, depending on whether it is a woman or a man. However, responsibility for financing the pension for the Belarusian insurance period lies with the Belarusian government. The conclusion is that the designers of the agreement never anticipated that so many people would be under international protection. This is related to the safety of those who do not want to provide this information to Belarus, but then they lose the possibility of transferring their pension from Belarus. In connection with the announced cancellation of the 800+ benefit for people working under a contract for a specific task (umowa o dzieło), we would like to know whether it is possible to retain this benefit for such persons. We have been continuously working under a contract for a specific task in Poland for five years. Hiring us under a standard employment contract is not in the employer’s interest. The contract for a specific task (umowa o dzieło) is a contract that is not considered employment in Poland, and therefore contributions to social insurance are not made. However, there is another contract: the contract of mandate (umowa zlecenia). This contract is covered by mandatory social insurance. A person performing work under a contract of mandate (or the client) pays contributions to the social insurance system and can receive the 800+ benefit because the person works and is insured under the Polish social insurance system. If the applicants meet other legal conditions, such as caring for a child or living with the child, they are entitled to the 800+ benefit. Active parents are required to have an appropriate level of professional activity, which is the basis for calculating contributions. For the 800+ benefit, i.e., the child support benefit, ZUS has no right to pressure the employer to change the form of employment. Unfortunately, this is beyond the competence of ZUS. However, ZUS, as the authority responsible for implementing the provisions of mandatory social insurance, must check whether payers fulfill their obligations correctly and whether these labor relations are not designed to avoid mandatory insurance or are dealing with fictitious insurance contracts. Does the Belarusian-Polish agreement regulate the transfer of military pensions? No. These military pensions from Belarus are not covered by the bilateral agreement. This means that former military personnel now living in Poland cannot apply to transfer their pension to Poland. The Belarusian side excluded them from the scope of the agreement. If I am currently working in Poland but already receive an old-age pension in Belarus, can I transfer the Belarusian pension to Poland upon reaching 60 and receive it together with the Polish pension? Can I claim the minimum Polish pension if the sum of the two pensions is lower? What documents are required from Belarus? The insurance period in Belarus is 20 years. As mentioned, for receiving this new pension in Poland, no minimum insurance period in Poland is required. However, to start the process of determining the Polish pension, certain contributions must be made to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). When receiving the minimum pension, foreign insurance periods can also be considered. For men, a total of 25 years, and for women, 20 years, is required. This means that if, after summing, this condition is not met, we cannot assign the minimum pension, but we also do not assume responsibility for financing this Belarusian insurance period as a pension. Can a Belarusian citizen independently submit documents for the transfer of a pension from Belarus to the relevant ZUS office to confirm the work experience in Belarus? Is interaction through ZUS with the relevant Belarusian office required in this case? As a rule, this is the principle of international social security procedures. The rule, established either in EU regulations on coordination of systems or in bilateral social security agreements, is that the basis for considering foreign insurance periods when determining the benefit amount in another country can only be the receipt of the relevant certificate provided by the agreement on these insurance periods.  Generally, the basis for ZUS to recognize the Belarusian insurance period is a certificate from the Belarusian Pension Fund (FSSN) on insurance periods.  Only a certificate issued within the framework of an international procedure is recognized. The procedure is as follows: you submit an application to ZUS. To this application, you must attach the documents required by the Belarusian institution. These include, first of all, the employment record, qualification confirmation, e.g., higher education certificates, confirmation of childcare periods, certificates of maternity leave, etc. Military service periods may also be included, depending on the period spent in Belarus. Original documents must be attached. If applying for a disability pension, medical documents are required; if applying for a child benefit, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and so on. Typical documents. When ZUS receives these documents, it makes copies, certifies them, and sends these certified copies to the Belarusian institution (FSSN).  The applicant’s consent to exchange this information with FSSN is required. ZUS sends copies to FSSN. FSSN uses a special form — either the traditional BY3 or the specific PL3. It conducts its own assessment of these documents and sums up these periods of employment. FSSN provides the total number of months, years, and days it recognized as insurance periods. Then ZUS receives this form. This procedure exists in all bilateral agreements, including EU regulations. In this way, institutions confirm information to each other. For example, when we need your work history for aggregation purposes to increase your Polish pension to the minimum, we rely on this form from the foreign pension institution. Does a period of higher education in Poland count towards the insurance period? In general, when it comes to insurance and non-insurance periods, they play an important role in determining pensions and benefits. With the current pension system, there is no requirement for this period, and therefore the period of education in the Polish system is considered a non-insurance period. It does not affect the calculation of the benefit. For example, when determining the minimum pension, the same period of study does not influence the right to this minimum pension. However, if applying for a disability pension, the period of education is included in the employment history considered for the disability pension. Since it is a non-insurance period, it is included in one-third of the insurance period as regulated by the national pension law. In general, when Polish regulations refer to employment history, we speak of insurance periods. Poland has additional 13th and 14th pensions. How can one apply for them? And what is their amount? No applications are required — both the 13th and 14th pensions are assigned automatically to everyone receiving a Polish pension.  The 13th pension equals the minimum; the 14th pension also equals the minimum, but for people with higher benefits, it may be reduced. How long does ZUS process applications from Belarusians? The standard decision period is 30 days . But this period is counted not from the date of application submission, but from the date of clarifying all circumstances necessary for calculation. If ZUS conducts international proceedings with Belarus, the period may be extended — sometimes up to a year. ZUS is obliged to regularly inform the applicant about the progress and indicate expected timelines. Is there a chance that Polish legislation will change due to more than 15,000 Belarusians already under international protection in Poland? This question is under the competence of the ministry. ZUS has submitted its position and possible solutions to the ministry, but further steps depend on legal analysis. According to current legislation, foreign work periods can be recognized without document exchange only for repatriates. If the country is a party to a bilateral agreement (like Belarus), ZUS is obliged to use only official institutional certificates. People did not apply for a pension in Belarus because they were in prison at the time of reaching retirement age. Now they are in Poland. What should they do? Belarusian citizens living in Poland can apply for the Belarusian pension through ZUS. There is no need to send documents to Belarus themselves. ZUS forwards the application to the Belarusian side, and the person indicates where the payment should be transferred — to a Polish or Belarusian bank account. Why can’t ZUS first assign a Polish pension and then wait for the response from Belarus? This is exactly what ZUS does. If there are at least some contributions in the account, ZUS assigns the Polish pension immediately — this is an advance payment.  The final decision on eligibility for the top-up to the minimum pension is made only after completing the information exchange with Belarus and receiving official confirmation of the insurance period. From what date is the pension assigned? Only after the Belarusian pension decision? Or from the date of submission in Poland? If a person submitted the application through ZUS, the Belarusian pension authority must start the payment to the Polish account from the next month after the payments in Belarus stop. The top-up to the minimum Polish pension is calculated from the date the Polish pension is assigned. The top-up can be paid retrospectively if the total insurance period is at least 20 years, the person resides permanently in Poland, and total income is low. Once again, we thank all Belarusians who participated in the meeting and sent questions to ZUS representatives. Your active participation made the meeting productive and informative. The meeting was initiated by the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Pavel Latushko, and organized by the People’s Anti-Crisis Administration together with the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy of Poland and the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). If you want to support our team with a donation, you can do so at: https://www.belarus-nau.org/donate This material was prepared by the NAU team based on ZUS specialists’ answers. However, in case of any questions, it is important to clarify all details of your personal situation directly with the Social Insurance Institution of Poland: www.zus.pl , and also to refer to information published on Polish government websites.

The doors in front of which the repentance videos were recorded. Source: malanka.media Legal qualification: Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute:  Persecution on political grounds. Article 7(1)(k):  Other inhumane acts (intentional infliction of severe psychological suffering, public humiliation). Article 7(1)(e):  Arbitrary deprivation of liberty. M.V. was 19 years old. She studied in her third year at the journalism faculty of BSU. She was not an activist, but she had what her curator in GUBOPiK would later call “an excessive sense of justice.” She ran a small Instagram blog about books and life in Minsk. After August 2020 she sometimes wrote about her feelings, posted photos with white ribbons or flowers. In September, during one of the women’s marches, she took a photo where she hugged her friend holding a small handmade sign: “For our children.” They came for her on November 4, at 6:15 a.m., in her dorm room. Two men in civilian clothes and two in black uniforms with “OMON” patches. They didn’t knock. They broke the flimsy lock, threw her off the bed, and pressed her face to the floor. “Extremist, had your fun?” one of them hissed. Her roommate was there too, curled up in a corner and crying. The search lasted two hours. They turned everything upside down: closets, mattresses, emptied backpacks. They seized her old laptop, her phone, and—oddly—her notes on the history of Belarusian literature. She was taken to the GUBOPiK building. The interrogation did not begin immediately. First, they locked her for several hours in a small windowless room containing only a single chair bolted to the floor. Then she was taken to an office. The operative, who introduced himself as “Major Vasiliev,” was demonstratively polite. He put on the table printouts of her Instagram posts. “Maria Viktorovna, why did you do this,” he began, leafing through the pages. “You’re a future journalist. A smart girl. Why do you need these ‘puppet masters’? Why did you get involved with these…,” he said, poking disdainfully at a photo from the march. M.V. tried to refer to the Constitution, to the right to peaceful protest. The major laughed. “The Constitution? Girl, what world do you live in? Your Constitution now is the Criminal Code. Article 342. Up to three years. And this post—” he tapped another printout—“where you write about the guys from Okrestina… that’s 361, ‘Calls for sanctions.’ Up to twelve years. You’ll be out at 31. Your entire youth in a colony. Is that what you want?” He gave her water. “Look,” his tone softened, “we don’t need your blood. We can see you slipped. That you were used. Just help us, and we’ll help you.”The plan was simple: she had to record a video. She was to say on camera that she “deeply repents,” that she was “led astray by destructive Telegram channels,” and urge others “not to repeat her mistakes.” “I won’t do it,” M.V. said firmly. The smile vanished from “Vasiliev’s” face. He pressed a button. Two masked men entered the room. “So, the hard way,” he said. “You’ll go to Okrestina now. To the ‘politicals.’ They’ll teach you to love the Motherland quickly. And do you know what we’ll do with your friend? The one in the photo? We’ll make her the organizer. And you the accomplice. She’s already testifying against you, by the way. Says you dragged her in.” It was a lie, but M.V. didn’t know that. She was returned to the windowless room. An hour later she was brought back. “Vasiliev” showed her her phone. “Look how pretty you are here. Now imagine all these photos online… you get the idea. Along with your address and your parents’ phone numbers. Want that kind of fame?” After three hours of threats, psychological pressure and blackmail, she broke. They sat her in front of a camera in the same office. “Vasiliev” gave her a sheet with the text. “Look into the camera. Speak sincerely. If I see falsehood—you’ll go to the isolation cell.” She spoke, stumbling and choking on tears. “I, M.V., repent… I was misled… I urge…” The operator made her do three takes. “Too much crying. You need to sound convincing, not whiny.” The next day the video appeared in all pro-government Telegram channels. The comments were brutal. Some wrote: “Sellout whore,” “She broke!” Others: “One more enlightened.” Her full name and Instagram link were publicly available. She was released on her own recognizance. The next day she was expelled from university “for actions discrediting the title of student.” “Vasiliev” kept part of his promise: a criminal case was opened, but not under the “serious” article. Her trial took place two months later. It lasted 20 minutes. Despite the “sincere repentance” on camera, she was sentenced to 3 years of “home chemistry” (restrictive liberty without being sent to an institution).“They didn’t just force me to be silent,” she said later, after leaving the country. “They forced me to speak with their words. They hollowed me out and stuffed me with their text. It was worse than if they had just beaten me. They stole my face.”