Today, on the agenda, we have a propaganda article written by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Mr. Ryzhenkov, who, like his colleagues in the authoritarian system, continues to spread myths and half-truths about Belarusian-Lithuanian relations. His article is nothing more than an attempt to divert attention from the real problems Belarus is facing under Lukashenko's rule, and the problems Lukashenko is trying to create for his neighbors. Let’s break down why Ryzhenkov’s words are nothing but empty rhetoric, manipulation, and disinformation.
"We have nothing to divide"
Ryzhenkov claims that "we have nothing to divide". And here arises a question: why then does the Lukashenko’s regime continue to interfere in Lithuania's internal affairs by deliberately directing migrants from the Middle East towards its borders? Why does it support policies aimed at weakening Europe and democratic processes in the region? Lithuania, like the entire civilized world, has witnessed how this regime violates human rights, falsifies elections, and suppresses freedom of speech. And let’s be honest: friendship between our peoples has never been a problem. The problem is that the Belarusian government is trying to manipulate this friendship for its political gain.
Who really started the hybrid war?
Another astonishing claim by Ryzhenkov is the accusation that Lithuania launched a hybrid war against the Belarusian people. This statement is a prime example of projection. Projection is when someone attributes their own thoughts, actions, or feelings to others, which they do not want to acknowledge in themselves. The real hybrid war is being waged by Lukashenko himself—against his own people. Was it not his security forces that suppressed protests, beat, and imprisoned tens of thousands of peaceful citizens? Is it not his regime that continues to carry out repressions against dissenters? It was not Lithuania but Lukashenko who declared war on Belarusians striving for freedom and democracy.
Economic losses
Ryzhenkov attempts to scare Lithuanians with economic losses from sanctions and the severance of ties with Belarus. He speaks of billions of dollars in losses for Lithuania, of rising unemployment, and empty ports. But you know what Ryzhenkov "forgot" to mention? The economic collapse in Belarus itself. Yes, Lithuania, as part of the European Union, has incurred certain losses from ending cooperation with the Belarusian regime. But this is a conscious choice of a country that values freedom, human rights, and democracy more than dirty money from trading with a dictatorship. And what about Belarus? Without access to European markets, the country's economy is rapidly becoming entirely dependent on Russia and China. The lack of diversification, sanctions, and isolation are leading us nowhere. But the power-hungry Lukashenko would rather be president of scorched earth than give up his post.
"Cheap Belarusian electricity"?
How convenient for Ryzhenkov to remain silent about safety! He offers Lithuania cheap Belarusian electricity but ignores the safety concerns surrounding the Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant. Lithuania, like other neighbors, rightly fears this plant, built in violation of international safety standards. This project has become a symbol of Lukashenko's regime's irresponsibility. And if electricity prices are higher in Lithuania, it’s because the country is not willing to accept dangerous products from questionable projects of the Lukashenko’s regime. Lithuanians value their safety, and health comes above short-term profits. Lithuania buys cheap and environmentally friendly electricity from Norway. But as for selling energy from the Belarusian NPP—there’s nowhere to sell it. No one wants to depend on the energy of a semi-mad dictator. As surprising as it may be to the opportunist Ryzhenkov, some politicians can see beyond their own noses.
On human contacts
Ryzhenkov refers to the idea that Lithuanians allegedly "do not understand" why their leadership has restricted contacts with Belarus. But Lithuanians, like us Belarusians, fully understand: the issue is not with the people, but with the regime that rules Belarus. The closure of borders and restrictions on contacts are forced measures aimed at the dictatorship that threatens all of Europe, including its closest neighbors. This is a dictatorship that has established a state-level stream of contraband and forged documents, and has deprived its own economy of access to Western goods and markets to support Russia's military machine. Should Lithuanians tolerate a regime that destabilizes the entire region and supports mass migration crises?
False offers of dialogue
Ryzhenkov calls for dialogue. But what kind of dialogue can there be with a regime that refuses to recognize the will of its own people and engage in dialogue with them? Lukashenko and his officials have repeatedly shown that their "dialogue" is a monologue with themselves. When Belarusians tried to express their will in 2020, the regime responded with batons, tear gas, and prisons. What can be discussed with a regime that hears only itself, continues to violate human rights, keeps political prisoners behind bars, and is not ready for real change?
We, the Belarusians, see this circus. We see how the authorities are desperately trying to maintain any external ties because they know their days are numbered. And we say it plainly: no reasonable politician, whether in Lithuania or any other country, will negotiate with a regime that deprives its citizens of rights and freedoms. Ryzhenkov and his ilk can talk all they want about "friendship" and "dialogue," but as long as Lukashenko’s regime is in power, there will be no real progress. There will be no improvement in relations or in the quality of life.
The future New Belarus will be a free, democratic country. And the day of change will inevitably come. Only then will we be able to build truly friendly, mutually beneficial, and equal relationships with our neighbors, including Lithuania.
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