Belarus opposition leader expects policy continuity from new Lithuanian government

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent figure in the Belarusian opposition, has called on Lithuania's incoming government to uphold its consistent and values-based policy toward Belarus. In an interview with LRT, she expressed hope for continuity in Lithuania's approach.

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I hope that the future Lithuanian Government will maintain policy continuity. We greatly appreciate Lithuania's long-term clear, principled, and values-based position.

Tsikhanouskaya stressed that sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko's regime should remain in place until tangible changes occur within Belarus. She suggested a strategy where U.S. sanctions could be leveraged to secure the release of political prisoners, while European Union sanctions would aim to facilitate systemic, irreversible changes within the country itself.

"Even if all political prisoners are released, and A. Lukashenko remains, balloons will fly to Lithuania, migrants will gather at the borders, and nuclear weapons or 'Iskander' missiles will be threatened from Belarusian territory," Tsikhanouskaya stated. "So the threat from Belarus will not disappear anywhere."

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We propose such a formula that American sanctions can be used to release political prisoners, and European Union sanctions to release the country itself, so that irreversible systemic changes occur in Belarus.

Her remarks come as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda approved the composition of the 21st government, led by Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius. Several ministers from the previous government, including those for defense, foreign affairs, and transport, are set to continue their roles. Key appointments include Taurimas Valys as finance minister, Ieva Andriulaitytė as environment minister, and Martynas Katelynas as interior minister.

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Even if all political prisoners are released, and A. Lukashenko remains, balloons will fly to Lithuania, migrants will gather at the borders, and nuclear weapons or 'Iskander' missiles will be threatened from Belarusian territory. So the threat from Belarus will not disappear anywhere.