Kęstutis Budris: We Will Push For New Sanctions Against Lukashenko

Belarus is a source of hybrid threats.

Amid concerns from the opposition over changes to the wording in the 21st government’s program regarding Belarus, Lithuania’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrisstressed that until Minsk changes its policy, Vilnius’s position will remain the same, according to LRT.

“Lithuania’s interest in its relations with Belarus lies in ensuring security. Belarus is a source of hybrid threats and various actions directed against Lithuania. As long as Belarus continues this policy, Lithuania will maintain a tough stance; we will push for the imposition of additional sanctions (...) that is our position, and I do not foresee any changes here,” the politician said Thursday on Žinių radijas.

The government’s program, led by Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has slightly altered its rhetoric regarding the Belarusian nuclear power plant in Ostrovets. The document promises to raise the issue of the plant’s safety in international forums, to ensure that Belarus adheres to the highest standards of nuclear and environmental safety, and to ensure compliance with international obligations.

The program of Inga Ruginene noted that the operation of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant poses a constant threat. The government also pledged to keep the issue of the plant on the EU’s political agenda until it is shut down and all problems related to environmental and nuclear safety are resolved.

According to Budris, some of these aspects will be reflected in the plan for implementing the government’s program.

“The government’s program should not be viewed as a threat assessment document or a national security strategy that lists the full spectrum of risks, dangers, and threats. It is a document of a different nature. It is a political policy statement outlining exactly what we intend to do,” the minister explained.

He also assured that, as long as Belarus does not change its policy, Lithuania will continue to advocate for the extension of sanctions imposed against Minsk.

“If these conditions persist, we will maintain this position; if the conditions change, we will act differently. But every time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submits a proposal on the necessary steps, the reason will be specified: Lithuania needs this, that, and the other, which is why we propose taking this specific position—not because someone else needs it or because someone simply stubbornly wants the sanctions to continue,” said Budris.

Lithuania imposed its first sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko’s regime in 2020 following mass repression against thousands of protesters who were demanding that the results of the presidential election be annulled and that a fair vote be held.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com