Belarus seeks to break EU isolation, ease sanctions, says Lithuanian FM

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Kęstutis Budrys , has stated that Belarus is pursuing consultations at the foreign ministry level, a move that could enable Minsk to partially break free from international isolation and seek a relaxation of sanctions.

Speaking during a broadcast on LRT radio, Budrys explained that Belarus has explicitly conveyed in discussions with the United States its desire to alter the European Union’s policy toward Belarus and Russia, which is currently centered on isolation and a refusal by governments to engage in dialogue.

“The first objective is to break the EU’s policy toward Belarus so that the regime can reach a political-diplomatic level, and other steps will follow, including participation in international organizations and future agreements,” he said.

The minister also highlighted that Belarus aims to secure the lifting of European sanctions, which have dealt significant blows to its economy and financial system.

Budrys noted that recent actions by Minsk, including the launching of weather balloons into Lithuanian territory, form part of this broader strategy. However, he stressed that the issue extends beyond Lithuania and involves the EU as a whole.

By Vafa Guliyeva