Europe will not be safe if Belarus is handed over to a Russian protectorate. This was stated by Pavel Latushka, deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet, during an international conference held jointly with NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division. According to him, Belarus is a key element in the regional security architecture.
“Europe’s security will not be fully ensured if Belarus is not integrated into the European security system. Europe will not be safe if Belarus is pushed aside and quietly handed over to a Russian protectorate.”
Latushka noted that Belarus has effectively lost a significant part of its sovereignty, especially in defence and foreign policy.
“The Lukashenka regime retains some autonomy in domestic affairs, but key sovereign powers have been transferred to Russia. Hybrid attacks against the EU and participation in the war against Ukraine serve the Kremlin’s interests.”
He described the regime’s internal policy as “state terror,” aimed at destroying the foundations of Belarusian sovereignty through mass repression and the expulsion of the active part of society. He argued that betting on Lukashenka is a losing strategy.
“Betting on Lukashenka is an absolutely losing strategy. It only creates a crisis that makes Belarus a permanent threat to Europe’s security.”
Pavel Latushka recalled that the United Transitional Cabinet proposed holding a national dialogue in the format of a round table between democratic forces and representatives of the regime, with sanctions remaining in place until real changes occur. He believes this dialogue is key to resolving the crisis.
“Europe has a real instrument of influence on the regime — sanctions. But it is important that lifting them be possible only on condition of genuine dialogue with the democratic forces as a fully-fledged party.”
He urged the EU not to allow the isolation of Belarusian society so that the country does not turn into a version of North Korea.
“Belarusians must not be left alone with Russia and its puppet Lukashenka. Belarus can become a guarantor of regional security, but only as an independent and democratic state.”
The United Transitional Cabinet proposes creating a group of countries allied with democratic Belarus and holding a political conference dedicated to supporting Belarusian society and resolving the internal political crisis.
“Today, peace negotiations in Europe are taking place without mentioning Belarus. This is a mistake that Russia is exploiting. Europe’s first line of defence does not run along the EU border with Belarus but through Belarusian society. It must not be lost.”