Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Ryzhenkov takes part in opening of пїЅSaving Europe. 110th Anniversary of Naroch OperationпїЅ exhibition

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Ryzhenkov takes part in opening of пїЅSaving Europe. 110th Anniversary of Naroch OperationпїЅ exhibition

On March 18, 2026 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, took part in the opening of the exhibition 'Saving Europe. 110th Anniversary of the Naroch Operation' at the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus. The event was also attended by heads of diplomatic missions accredited in our country.

The exhibition is dedicated to one of the most significant and bloodiest battles of World War I, which began on 18 March 1916 in the area of Lakes Vishnieuskaje and Narach and the town of Pastavy.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that World War I had forever changed the course of world events and had become one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Belarus. He cited the figures currently available on the number of our country's citizens killed and wounded, including refugees, the cities destroyed and villages burnt to the ground, the plundering of natural resources by the occupiers, and the severe consequences for industry and agriculture.

'And it is a natural question, one that we should all reflect on: what did the Belarusian people receive in return for that sacrifice? <…> Nothing but historical oblivion,' noted M.Ryzhenkov. 'We are constantly being told how to live and what to do, and I want to say that today the weapons being used against us are not bombs or missiles. They are sanctions. Restrictions and sanctions that hit ordinary people, that hold back the development of our state, just as they do for many other states around the world. The arsenal has changed, but the objectives remain the same.'

The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised that Belarus is watching with concern the build-up of military infrastructure along its borders: 'A German tank brigade has been deployed in Lithuania: for the first time since World War II, Germany has deployed its forces on a permanent basis near our borders. <…> In Poland, less than 80 kilometres from Belarus, a new intelligence base has been opened.'

M.Ryzhenkov recalled that it is precisely in light of its historical experience that Belarus consistently and persistently pursues a peace-loving foreign policy, which is reflected in specific initiatives such as the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century.

The head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry urged everyone to bear in mind the fragility of peace and to seek ways to resolve any disputes and conflicts through dialogue.

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