Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The Lukashenka regime continues its hybrid war against European Union countries – primarily Lithuania and Poland. This policy goes beyond migrants and propaganda. It is an economic war, a threat to the safety of citizens and flights, and as a result of the regime’s actions, not only EU citizens suffer, but primarily Belarusians themselves.
Following recent large-scale cases of cigarette smuggling using balloons, Lithuania had to temporarily close the border and even suspend flights. This is further evidence that the regime uses smuggling as a tool of hybrid attacks against Europe.
- The Lukashenka regime has turned the production and illegal export of cigarettes into part of its political and economic strategy. The money from this smuggling does not go to criminal groups but directly into the regime’s “pockets”.
- Closing border crossings is a logical step for security. We support Lithuania and its partners in measures aimed at strengthening sanctions against producers, transporters, and organizers of smuggling.
- Belarusians oppose smuggling and the use of our country for the regime’s crimes.
At the same time, we call to keep humanitarian and passenger crossings open for law-abiding Belarusians and those fleeing repression.
Our shared goal is for Belarus to cease being a source of threats and to become a reliable partner and friend of Europe.
Under Lukashenka’s rule, this is impossible. But that is precisely why we continue to fight for change – for a free Belarus and a safe Europe”.
