Top diplomat: Lithuania maintains toughest stance on Belarus

Lithuania’s position on Belarus remains among the toughest in the European Union, with strong support for extending and tightening sanctions on Minsk, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said.

“Lithuania’s position on European Union sanctions against Belarus is clear and unchanged. With this stance, I believe we are among the toughest countries in the EU. We say the sanctions must be extended,” Budrys told Lithuanian media.

His comments come amid domestic debate over easing restrictions and cautiously improving relations with Minsk. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė recently said there were no grounds for this while Belarus continued what she described as aggressive behaviour.

Discussions in Vilnius about possible talks with Minsk remain hypothetical, Budrys said.

“The conversations I see taking place in Lithuania concern what would happen if EU sanctions did not exist. In that case, there would be scenarios B, C and D. We would consult within the region and look first at the positions of Poland and Latvia,” he said.

“Perhaps we would take new initiatives, but I see no basis for that at present. We are working on the main scenario, and our efforts are focused on securing a decision to extend sanctions in February,” he added.

Budrys rejected claims that Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was forced to leave Vilnius.

“I disagree with the suggestion that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was forced to leave Vilnius – that is not true. Her office continues to operate with the same accreditation as before. We ensure security for the Belarusian opposition and for all other opposition forces facing threats from hostile states’ intelligence services to the maximum extent,” he said.

Budrys also stressed Lithuania’s support for a united opposition.

“Lithuania has never dictated an agenda to them, regardless of what the Belarusian KGB might claim. I believe this is the right moment for them to sit down together and clarify their positions. What is problematic is when different messages come from different opposition representatives,” he said.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus over human rights abuses, support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and hybrid attacks. Lithuania’s government last week approved extending national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens until 2028, subject to parliamentary approval.

Budrys said he discussed Belarus with US envoy John Coale, noting Washington remains open to talks aimed at releasing political prisoners.

“Our key message is that relations with Belarus must not give Lukashenko additional leverage to pressure allies in the region through hybrid attacks or other means. The commitment conveyed by the special envoy after his recent visit to Minsk must be fulfilled. Otherwise, it would amount to a clear sign of disrespect towards the United States,” he said.

Smuggling balloon incidents had declined after Coale’s December visit, but the largest incursion this year in late January disrupted Vilnius Airport operations three times, affecting around 1,700 passengers. Lithuania issued a diplomatic note of protest to the Belarusian embassy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev