Lithuanian Foreign Minister: Policy towards Belarus will not change, only the wording

According to Kęstutis Budrys, as long as Minsk continues to support a policy that, in the opinion of the Lithuanian side, creates threats to Lithuania's security, his country will advocate for maintaining a tough stance and extending sanctions.

"Lithuania's interest in relations with Belarus lies in guaranteeing security. Belarus is a source of hybrid threats and various actions directed against Lithuania. As long as Belarus continues such a policy, Lithuania will adhere to a tough course; we will seek the introduction of additional sanctions [...] This is our position, and I see no changes here," the politician stated on July 9 on Žinių radijas.

Previously, the Lithuanian opposition drew attention to the fact that the new government program does not mention the need to maintain Belarus's international isolation. Instead, it only speaks of continuing Russia's isolation. However, another section of the document notes that if Belarus continues to support Russian aggression against Ukraine or carry out hybrid attacks against the European Union or Ukraine, Lithuania will increase pressure and isolation.

The rhetoric regarding the Belarusian nuclear power plant has also changed in the new program. The government now promises to raise issues of BelNPP safety on international platforms, seeking Belarus's compliance with international obligations and the highest standards of nuclear and environmental safety.

Budrys emphasized that the government program is not a threat assessment document or a national security strategy, but merely defines the government's main political intentions.

He also assured that Lithuania will continue to support sanctions against Belarus until official Minsk changes its policy. In addition, the minister noted that decisions on sanctions will be made based on Lithuania's national security interests.

"If such conditions exist — we will adhere to that position, if conditions change — we will act differently. But each time a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding necessary steps is submitted, the reason will be indicated: Lithuania needs this, that, and the other, therefore we propose to adhere to precisely this position. And not because someone else needs it or because someone simply stubbornly wants sanctions to continue," said Kęstutis Budrys.

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