Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday in a "Spotlight on Belarus" discussion.

In the discussion, Budrys stated that the Belarusian regime's involvement in Russia's aggressive policy increases threats not only to regional security but also to Belarus itself. The Minister stressed that the Lukashenka regime hopes that support for the Kremlin's aggression will ensure its survival, but in fact, Belarus faced long-term and more severe consequences, including the loss of strategic autonomy and the erosion of remaining sovereign powers.

The Minister also noted the ongoing hybrid attacks by Belarus against neighbouring states - smuggler balloons, instrumentalisation of migration, disinformation, and economic provocations shows that Belarus, together with Russia, is becoming a platform for hybrid aggression and a threat to NATO's eastern flank.

"Democratic Belarus is in the interest of Lithuania's national security. Lithuania would like to have a peaceful and democratic state in its neighbourhood, but instead we are dealing with the Lukashenka regime, which is constantly engaged in malicious activities and hybrid attacks against our neighbours and us," said the Minister.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed that the Lukashenka regime did not show any signs that the situation in the country could change. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain pressure on the regime and continue EU sanctions.

"EU sanctions against Belarus need to be extended because none of the reasons for which they were imposed have disappeared: Belarus continues to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, internal repression continues, and hybrid attacks against its neighbours are intensifying," Budrys said.

Budrys emphasized that in order to achieve change in the country, it was necessary to support and strengthen the democratic opposition in Belarus, maintain strategic patience, and prepare for a possible transition period.
"In history, windows of opportunity open unexpectedly, so it is important to be prepared," he stressed.