Latushka: There Is No Option of Surrender for Us

Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, called on the European Union to impose sanctions against the Belarusian regime and the “Union State,” and said Belarusians should be prepared for the window of opportunity to begin talks on a transition to open suddenly. The politician made the remarks on the second day of the “New Belarus” conference, which is being held in Warsaw.

The Deputy Head of the UTC called on European partners to support an investigation into the situation in Belarus at the International Criminal Court, related to the deportation and forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians.

Latushka noted that since March 2025, no new sanctions have been imposed on the regime over human rights violations. Requests for new sanctions were sent to the European Commission because repression in Belarus is continuing.

Latushka outlined eight tasks for Belarusian democratic forces for the near future:

1. Strengthening democratic institutions.
2. Protecting the rights and interests of Belarusians abroad and supporting former political prisoners.
3. Supporting national revival, culture and education.
4. Countering the absorption of sovereignty and pro-Russian propaganda, and imposing sanctions against structures of the “Union State,” which Russia uses to dismantle Belarusian independence.
5. It is important that the resources allocated by the European Union increase to effectively counter the powerful pro-Russian propaganda machine.
6. The threats of Belarus being drawn into the hot phase of the war are increasing today. That is why the UTC has decided to establish a Situation Headquarters.
7. Continuing support for Ukraine and our volunteers.
8. Continuing efforts to bring those responsible to justice for crimes against humanity against the Belarusian people, for the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children at the International Criminal Court, as well as for the crime of aggression within the framework of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine being established.

“We understand each other well. We understand how difficult things are for us. How over these years fatigue, pain, a sense of uncertainty and sometimes burnout have accumulated. Do we have another option? The other option is to surrender.

There is no such option for us. We simply have no right to stop. It is difficult for us, but we must move forward. Because no one else will do it except us”, Latushka stressed.

The politician noted that windows of opportunity to begin talks on a transition may open suddenly. One such opportunity could be the start of a peace negotiation process after the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Belarusians must be prepared for this and clearly communicate their position:

“First: the situation in Belarus and its change must be a mandatory subject of these negotiations. And the agency and interests of Belarusian society must be taken into account in them.

Second: the launch of an internal dialogue in the format of a Round Table between the current authorities and democratic forces must be a condition for Belarus to participate in peace negotiations as one of the parties”, Latushka said.

“We will take back our home, return to our relatives and loved ones, and restore justice. Because Belarusians will always be able to reach an agreement with Belarusians. We must remember. We have one home. Our fate is shared. Let us not forget this. Because we have only one Belarus. And because we are one people!” — the politician said.