Dear friends,
Today, at the Cabinet meeting, we discussed our position on the plan to achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia, our strategy for the release of political prisoners, and the Cabinet’s plans for 2026.
We are closely following the negotiations on Ukraine and are in contact with our European allies to ensure that Belarus’ interests are also taken into account. We have already communicated our positions to our closest allies. It is important that, as a result of any agreements, Belarus does not remain under Russia’s control.
A few days ago, I spoke with US Special Envoy to Belarus John Coale, and I can say that we share the same understanding of the situation. Mr. Coale is making significant efforts to secure the release of our people from prisons and to stop the repression, while also ensuring that people have the option to remain in Belarus. I sincerely hope that we will have good news in the coming weeks.
In partnership with human rights initiatives, we have prepared all the necessary infrastructure to receive political prisoners in Poland and Lithuania and to provide them with the essentials.
In addition, we are working to support independent media and civil society. We are taking steps to ensure that independent media receive support and have received positive signals from the European Commission and individual countries regarding assistance for next year. We are also continuing to mobilize support for human rights organizations, the International Humanitarian Fund for those repressed, and cultural initiatives.
Of course, we condemn all provocations by the regime – from the use of drones that paralyze operations at Vilnius Airport, the hijacking of trucks, to the sheltering of criminals responsible for sabotage on Polish railways. All of this shows the true nature of the regime. Together with the ongoing repression, it demonstrates that the regime is interested in escalation, not in resolving the crisis. But it is in Belarus’ interest that the crisis be ended, including through national dialogue. We insist on this and continue to work toward it.
Thank you for your attention. I am ready to answer your questions.
