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Pavel Latushko Original article: de.euronews.com "Europe needs to wake up" , warns former Belarusian Minister of Culture Pavel Latushka. Pavel Latushka served as Belarus’s Minister of Culture. In 2020, he joined the protests against Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. In a conversation with Euronews, Latushka explained why it is dangerous to abandon Belarusian society. The former Minister of Culture, Pavel Latushka, joined the Belarusian democratic movement after the brutal suppression of protests in Belarus in 2020. He is currently the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, a political body representing Belarusian democratic forces. From exile, he fights for a free Belarus. In an interview with Euronews, he spoke about what the policies of the new U.S. President Donald Trump mean for Europe and the war in Ukraine, as well as why abandoning Belarusian society is dangerous. Euronews:  As Minister of Culture, you worked with dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Now, you support the Belarusian opposition. What caused this change? Pavel Latushka:  It was always an internal conflict. At a certain point, you start compromising. You try to justify yourself. Euronews:  Ukraine is engulfed in war. Can Belarus act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine? Pavel Latushka:  Lukashenko is Russia's most important ally in the war against Ukraine. Not North Korea, not China, not Iran, but Lukashenko. He provided Russia with Belarus as a strategic and territorial "balcony." In 2020, a mistake was made. Back then, one million Belarusians took to the streets for several months in villages, small towns, and large cities. If our Western partners had listened to us then and imposed tough sanctions on Lukashenko, it could have changed the situation. Most likely, there would have been no war between Russia and Ukraine, or at least it wouldn’t have had such devastating consequences. Euronews:  In previous interviews, you mentioned that Ukraine's potential victory and the democratization process in Belarus are closely interconnected. Pavel Latushka:  Ukraine's victory would undoubtedly have a significant impact. However, it would be wrong to rely on one situation to resolve all our problems. Belarus’s future depends solely on the Belarusian people. To hope that someone in Berlin, Brussels, or Washington will solve our problems is pure utopia. Nonetheless, the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity will lead to Russia’s defeat. This, in turn, could give us a chance for real change in Belarus. Belarus’s future depends solely on the Belarusian people. To hope that someone in Berlin, Brussels, or Washington will solve our problems is pure utopia. Euronews:  Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election in 2024. He previously announced significant cuts in defense funding for Europe and Ukraine. How will his policies affect security in Europe? Pavel Latushka:  Europe needs to wake up. Responsibility for Europe’s security lies primarily with European politicians. This means more resources for our own security, more resources to combat propaganda [from Russia and Belarus], and, as a result, strengthening Europe. A strong Europe is in the interests of Belarusian democratic forces. Euronews:  Does this mean Trump’s policies could benefit Ukraine? Pavel Latushka:  Germany is one of the most powerful economies in the EU and can make a significant contribution to financing Europe’s defense potential. If Germany moves in this direction, it will encourage many European countries to follow suit and fund defense in Europe on a much larger scale. Almost all heads of state and government in European countries speak of the need to increase defense funding. And we’re not just talking about 2%, but more than 2%, as President Trump initially called for during his election campaign. Euronews:  Trump stated that he would "quickly" end the war in Ukraine and "force" Ukraine to come to the negotiating table. Pavel Latushka:  Even if we imagine a ceasefire, it will likely have the opposite effect. Russian propaganda and Lukashenko’s propaganda will portray this so-called peace or ceasefire as their victory, as proof that they managed to force the West to capitulate and retreat from its positions. This will motivate Russian society for further aggression. It will only be a temporary pause before a much larger war, which will again unfold in Ukraine and possibly in neighboring countries. Russian propaganda and Lukashenko’s propaganda will portray this so-called peace or ceasefire as their victory [...]. Euronews:  The "traffic light" coalition in Germany has collapsed. Right-wing and left-wing populist parties are gaining more support. What does this political instability in Germany mean for Europe? Pavel Latushka:  A strong Germany is a guarantee of a strong Europe. Germany is a leader in upholding international law, respecting human rights, freedom of speech, and all other international standards. If Germany abandons this role, it would spell disaster — namely, the continuation of an even more massive war. This could lead to societal division and the escalation of social conflicts within Europe, which is in Russia’s interests. After all, Russia is investing enormous resources to demotivate the European community from helping Ukraine. Euronews:  Why should Germany support Belarusian democratic forces and the democratic movement in Belarus? Pavel Latushka:  From Berlin to Minsk is a very short distance. This short distance carries a serious threat. It won’t take long [if support for Belarusian democracy-oriented society ceases] before soldiers in Russian or Belarusian uniforms stand on the EU’s border, ready to penetrate European territory. This is a real scenario. Dictators survive only when they expand their territories, when they restore their empires. We must wake up. We must understand that this will happen. Dictators survive only when they expand their territories, when they restore their empires. Putin’s current goal is to restore the Soviet Union. Euronews:  The next presidential elections in Belarus are scheduled for January 26, 2025. Do Belarusian democratic forces have any chance of participating in them? Pavel Latushka:  There are no elections in Belarus. The atmosphere of fear and terror has led to the departure of an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 people from Belarus. How can we talk about elections under such conditions, when arrests and detentions happen daily? Euronews:  What opportunities does the Belarusian opposition have to resist? Pavel Latushka:  The National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), which I lead [the creation of the NAM was supported by the Coordination Council ], has gathered evidence of crimes against humanity [ and the Belarusian people ]. The Lithuanian government has already approached the International Criminal Court (ICC) with a request to investigate crimes against humanity committed by the Belarusian regime under Lukashenko and has submitted the relevant materials. I ask German politicians: what is stopping you from taking this step and supporting Lithuania’s appeal to the ICC? What is preventing the Greens, who lead Germany’s foreign policy, from taking this step today? The answer does not satisfy me.

"Lukashenko cannot pull Belarus out of Putin's embrace and will continue to secure Russia's military-political interests, which guarantees his hold on power. He has definitively chosen Russia and will not act independently in foreign policy" , — stated Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), during the fourth meeting of the "Belarus-EU" consultative group . The session included participation from the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, members of the Cabinet, the Coordination Council, representatives of Belarusian civil society, and the European Union. During the consultative group session on the political situation in Belarus, regional prospects, strategies of democratic forces, and EU actions, Pavel Latushka emphasized that Lukashenko does not facilitate dialogue. Dialogue is possible only with a partner who adheres to agreements, but Lukashenko cannot ensure their implementation. Dialogue requires tangible steps toward improving relations, which Lukashenko is neither willing nor able to take independently. The NAM leader noted that Lukashenko can no longer return to the conditions of 2019. He will not restore independent media, opposition parties, or NGOs, nor will he release all political prisoners, annul thousands of unlawful verdicts, or allow the return of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians exiled from the country. He cannot bring back the lives of those killed or the health of those tortured in prisons — including those suffering as we speak. "This is unrealistic! He suffered a severe psychological trauma in 2020 when Belarusians refused to support him. The fear of a repeat of 2020 will dictate his policies. We need to soberly assess the situation in Belarus, and I am convinced it does not favor any change in the strategy toward the regime", —  Pavel Latushka stated. The Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet proposed a way out of the situation: strong, systematic, and targeted support for Belarusian society, whether medium- or long-term.  In the event of change, it is the Belarusian people who will bear responsibility for the transformations. It is necessary to support democratic society and alternative institutions created by Belarusian democratic forces. Pavel Latushka highlighted that one of the dictator's most cynical tactics is attempting to legitimize his actions both domestically and internationally through sham elections. However, the real situation is as follows: Potential genuine presidential candidates are either in prison or exile. All 11 opposition parties have been dissolved. Over 1,700 civil organizations (more than 50% of those existing) have been liquidated. Independent media outlets have been eradicated. Belarusians living abroad have been stripped of their voting rights. Pavel Latushka called on the EU not to recognize this charade orchestrated by Lukashenko under the guise of elections and not to allow him to regain his political subjectivity. "We are on the verge of so-called elections planned by Lukashenko. But this process can only be described as a farce. This farce cannot become a basis for revising the policy toward Lukashenko" . Europe must not turn a blind eye to Lukashenko's crimes "Even now, as Lukashenko releases individual political prisoners, he simultaneously continues repression, and the number of new political prisoners exceeds those released. Therefore, halting repression must be a key condition for dealing with the regime. All sanctions imposed should be strengthened until practical changes occur in the regime’s behavior. Increasing sanctions pressure must send a clear and unequivocal signal that Europe will never turn a blind eye to Lukashenko's illegal actions and crimes" , — stated Pavel Latushka  during the panel discussion “Human Rights and Accountability”  at the fourth meeting of the "Belarus-EU" consultative group in Brussels. Today, the main expectation of Belarusians is the demand for justice. This is even more relevant in the case of hundreds of thousands of victims of crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko’s regime. Recent research by key human rights organizations in Belarus confirms this conclusion: Belarusians need justice . Pavel Latushka stated: "Achieving real accountability for the main perpetrators of atrocities in Belarus today is existential. The key word here is ‘real’. Real accountability means recognizing the perpetrators of these crimes as criminals and the survivors as victims in the framework of criminal proceedings, in line with the rule of law. It also means that our actions today cannot rely on pathways to justice that depend on changes within Belarus. Accountability must come based on legal norms, not political interests. Protecting the rights of victims requires a proactive approach, not a passive one" .

More than 7 years in prison for comments from a 68-year-old pensioner ; a politically motivated sentence for a mother of five ; a refusal to reconsider a case, which became "deadly" for political prisoner Nikolai Klimovich ; over fifty politically motivated court rulings ; a politically motivated sentence for a  mother and father from a large family ; a prison sentence for a 54-year-old woman for a sad "smiley"  on a post about Lukashenko on social media. Dozens of years of imprisonment for ordinary Belarusians — for our relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances... Behind all these cases, behind every illegal decision, there are the names of specific perpetrators. The individuals who handed down illegal sentences, hiding behind judicial robes and the status of "judge" — in their case, the status of a so-called judge. Today, we will name some of these people. We, the NAM’s team, will send them a clear message — no one will forget their crimes and the broken lives. And for every illegal decision, for every politically motivated sentence, responsibility will inevitably follow. Today we remind you of the "judges": Vera Vyacheslavovna Filonik  — no less than 73 politically motivated decisions, including 40 political sentences in just 1 year — she even sentenced children. She sentenced a woman for a video of military equipment, and sent a 68-year-old disabled man to his death; Anastasia Pavlovna Popko  — no less than 85 politically motivated decisions, sentences of decades for activists, mothers of large families, and independent trade union leaders; Irina Ramizovna Lantcheva  — no less than 51 politically motivated court rulings, including a sentence for a mother of three children — 4.5 years in prison for "insulting" Lukashenko and aiding so-called extremist activities; Irina Vasilyevna Pradun  — no less than 21 politically motivated decisions, a judge who "sentences" for "likes." Two years in prison for comments on social media, one year for a sad "smiley" under a post about Lukashenko; Gennady Alexandrovich Mazaylo  — no less than 20 politically motivated court rulings, including sentences for workers of "Grodno Azot". These people destroy the lives of the innocent. They take away freedom, health, and sometimes — lives. They issue sentences that divide families, silence the voices of people who oppose the arbitrariness and lawlessness in Belarus. Their work is politically motivated persecution. These "judges" think they will be able to remain unpunished. They hope their crimes will go unnoticed. And if they are noticed, they can justify themselves by saying they were simply following orders. No, such justifications will not pass. And no, they will be remembered. Today, their cases are under development by our team. We will do everything to ensure these individuals are added to the sanctions lists. The dossiers on 40 judges, including the "figures" in our video, have been submitted by the NAM team for inclusion in the upcoming EU sanctions packages.  Preparing dossiers on these individuals with substantiated illegal actions they are responsible for is an essential part of our work. Since sanctions are imposed by law-abiding states, clear justification is required for sanctions. The dossiers prepared by the NAM team contain evidence of repressive actions. "Sanctions are just the first step. It must be understood: any legal decision is based on evidence — individuals are not added to the list by order, this is the result of NAM's diligent work in gathering evidence, preparing and submitting documents and confirmations to the institutions that impose sanctions. Sanctions dossiers on judges involved in politically motivated persecution are meticulously and thoroughly collected testimonies. Each figure has their own case. And these cases are a foundation for the future. In the future, they will be used for criminal proceedings" , —said Pavel Latushka. All those involved should remember: today — sanctions, tomorrow — criminal cases. Justice will catch up with the guilty.

Pavel Latushka , head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), discussed with NAM deputy head Artsiom Brukhan  the Warsaw conference "Paths to Resolving the Political Crisis in Belarus Using the Example of Poland's Round Table",   where various options for the power transition in Belarus were discussed. "One of the key and fundamental conditions for a power transition in Belarus is the absence of Lukashenko as a subject. He will never engage in negotiations with representatives of the democratic forces, the democratic society. The elites under Lukashenko will also be afraid to communicate with representatives of the democratic forces. Therefore, our strategy is to eliminate this subject as a political institution that currently exists in our country. Belarusians will always reach an agreement with other Belarusians if it is not controlled by a dictator who has usurped power and is committing international crimes," said Pavel Latushka. During the discussion, Artsiom Brukhan outlined four main options for the power transition: " 1. Classical democratic transition  – This is when elections take place, as in the United States. A corresponding document is signed, and the outgoing president completes their term, after which power is handed over to the new president. This is an example of a classical democratic transition. 2. Revolutionary path  – This is when the masses take to the streets, seize administrative buildings, proclaim themselves as the authorities, and new leaders emerge. This scenario is often accompanied by violence, arrests, or the expulsion of the current authorities. 3. Nomenklatura transition  – In this scenario, internal forces surrounding the ruler may push him to step down from office. For example, this happened in the Soviet Union with the removal of General Secretary Khrushchev. For the regime’s enablers, this scenario could literally be life-threatening. 4. Dynastic transition  – This is when power is passed from father to child. Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that he would like to see his younger son, Nikolai, as his successor. However, according to the constitution written by Lukashenko, such a transfer of power is only possible after 20 years, when Lukashenko will be 90. At present, the last scenario seems unrealistic. Nevertheless, the regime may attempt to combine the nomenklatura and dynastic transitions: in the event of Lukashenko’s deteriorating health, he could transfer power to a controlled figure, who would rule until his son Nikolai reaches the required age to assume the presidency" .

"Poland’s example demonstrates that a round table can be an effective mechanism for transferring power. However, certain conditions must be met to implement such a scenario, and these conditions are shaped not only by the opposition but also by the regime itself. It is important for the regime to independently realize the benefits of a round table and be ready for negotiations" , — said Dr. Jan Malicki , Director of the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw, former opposition activist during communist-era Poland, and organizer of underground publishing, during the event “ Paths to Resolving the Political Crisis in Belarus Using the Example of Poland's Round Table "Paths to Resolving the Political Crisis in Belarus Using the Example of Poland's Round Table" . The event, held on November 26, was organized by the Representative Office for the Transition of Power of the United Transitional Cabinet , the National Anti-Crisis Management, and the Juliusz Mieroszewski Dialogue Center . Dr. Jan Malicki delivered a keynote address. Drawing on his practical experience, Dr. Malicki outlined the conditions necessary for holding a round table in Belarus: Motivation of the regime:  Poland’s experience showed that the communist regime agreed to negotiations only when it recognized the inevitability of change. Presence of a mediator:  Successful negotiations require an independent mediator trusted by both sides . In Poland, this role was played by the Catholic Church. However, as Dr. Malicki noted, Belarus currently lacks a figure or institution respected by both the regime and democratic forces. Readiness of both sides to compromise:  Dr. Malicki emphasized that, as shown by Poland’s experience, the ideal outcome of negotiations is a situation where neither side is fully satisfied with the results . "It is important to ensure a sense of minimal justice for society" , — Dr. Malicki noted. He stressed the need for basic mechanisms of justice for those responsible for repressions while avoiding extremes, such as mass purges or reprisals, as these could undermine public trust in the next stage of the country’s development. During the event, Dr. Malicki highlighted the importance of guaranteeing personal safety for regime representatives involved in such processes. In Belarus, it is also essential to ensure the security of negotiation participants to reduce their fear of future reprisals and provide them with an incentive to voluntarily engage in the process of power transition.

"We are engaged in a strategic dialogue, which means the discussion must focus on strategy — on a strategy to achieve the goal of an independent, democratic, and European Belarus. On a strategy to stop aggressors, restore security, deprive them of resources and spheres of influence. Belarus, in this strategy, is one of the cornerstones" , — stated Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, during the  Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue , Session I: "Sovereign, Stable, Democratic Belarus". The Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue, held on December 3-4, brought together Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, members of the Coordination Council, and representatives of Belarusian civil society. In his address, Pavel Latushka emphasized that while the West acted half-heartedly, sacrificing strategic goals for tactical political interests, the aggressor already had a strategy. "Russia is the only country that has a strategy not only for Belarus but for the entire region. It is a strategy of imperial expansion. Therefore, Belarus cannot be a gift for Putin at peace negotiations. It can be a victim, yes. But Belarus is not a bargaining chip. Belarusians are not a consumable material" , — said Pavel Latushka. Pavel Latushka noted that today’s Belarus is a military base for Russia, one that can be activated at any moment, as was the case in February 2022. Belarus also serves as a massive sanctions loophole through which Russia obtains goods necessary to continue its war, given that Belarus and Russia share a single customs area and effectively have no border. He stressed that a true strategy involves supporting the Belarusian democratic society . "We are living in a historic moment. Russia’s goal is to destroy the existing world order and create chaos, allowing aggressors to reshape the world to their advantage by establishing spheres of influence. Aggressors will not stop unless they are stopped. And for this, Belarus must be clearly integrated into the strategy", — stated Pavel Latushka. Pavel  Latushka presented specific tools and objectives to the American side for implementing a successful strategy regarding Belarus: Systematic and consistent support for organizations and initiatives of civil society , particularly those operating within Belarus, as well as support for independent media and bloggers; Non-recognition of Lukashenko  and recognition  of the established and functioning political institutions of Belarusian democratic forces ; Continuation and intensification of sanctions agains t the Lukashenko regime; Bringing Lukashenko to international criminal accountability  for his crimes; Ensuring that decisions about Belarusians are not made behind their backs . "It is also crucial for us to define a specific goal for the strategy regarding Belarus. According to the consensus of the United Transitional Cabinet, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and the majority of the Coordination Council, the goal should be a democratic Belarus outside Russia’s sphere of influence; Belarus as an integral part of the European and Euro-Atlantic community and security system. Without this, there will be neither peace nor security" , — concluded Pavel Latushka during the Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue.

Accountability for Lukashenko and his regime’s crimes, sanctions policy, and justice for Belarusians were key topics of discussion during the Strategic Dialogue "Belarus–U.S." ,held on December 3-4 in Vilnius. These issues were highlighted by Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, during the third session of the Strategic Dialogue on mechanisms of accountability. "Speaking about accountability, I want to start with a clear statement: justice is the key expectation of Belarusians today. This is especially true for the hundreds of thousands of victims of crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenko’s regime. Recent studies by leading human rights organizations in Belarus confirm this conclusion", — stated Pavel Latushka  during the discussion. The Strategic Dialogue "Belarus–U.S."  serves as a platform to maintain sustainable relations between Belarusian democratic forces and the U.S. government. It is a unique format for a strategic dialogue, as the participants are not representatives of Lukashenko’s regime but instead representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society institutions. The Belarusian side is represented by the leader of the United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , members of the United Transitional Cabinet and Coordination Council, as well as civic initiatives. Pavel Latushka emphasized: "Those guilty of crimes must be recognized as criminals, and victims must be acknowledged as such within the framework of a judicial process that adheres to the rule of law. Protecting victims’ rights requires a proactive, not passive, approach. The sooner Lukashenko and his accomplices are held accountable, the sooner a future will come for Belarus and Belarusians. Belarusians deserve justice, and helping to achieve it is within the power of the U.S. and other democratic nations". Pavel Latushka also called on the U.S. to continue and intensify systemic sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime: "Lukashenko is not a politician who would willingly become a governor of a Russian region. At a critical moment, he will seek support. And that will be the time to dictate terms to him. Sanctions must only grow stronger until they reach a critical level and produce the necessary effect".

Opening remarks by the Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka at the side event "The Belarus Situation at the ICC: ICC Jurisdiction and the Need for State Party Support" held during the 23rd Session of the ICC Assembly of State Parties December 2, 2024, The Hague Dear Head of the International Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Justice of Lithuania Mr. Dzikovic, Representatives of ICC States Parties. Dear organizers and speakers, dear guests,  First and foremost, thank you for attracting attention to Belarus and the crimes committed by its authorities inside and outside of the country. I believe that this is the very first event ever dedicated to the Belarusian situation at the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court. It has been 4 and a half years since Belarus became an arena of mass atrocities… 4 years of grave international crimes, such as mass torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, rapes and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, arbitrary imprisonment and murder… All these atrocities occur in a climate of total impunity for the perpetrators. The authorities in Minsk have created an awfully efficient machine for mass persecuting and repression of those perceived as "disloyal". This regime has developed and implemented a whole state policy of persecution, introducing  legislation aimed at discriminating against those perceived as disloyal in order to, as Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly stated himself, to “clean the Belarusian society”. The created atmosphere of fear, terror and persecution forced about 300,000 people to flee their homeland. This means every thirtieth resident left Belarus. They were simply left with no other choice. We consider all of them as victims of the crime of deportation, a crime against humanity. However, the Belarusian authorities did not stop at expelling part of the population beyond the borders of Belarus; they have continued to persecute Belarusians abroad.   Those abroad and in exile were subjected to: intimidation and threats of violence;  pressure and criminal persecution of relatives and friends; judicial harassment, namely persecution by means of politically motivated criminal cases, trials in absentia with no due process, seizure and confiscation of property;  deprivation of other fundamental rights. We believe that these actions cumulatively amount to the crime against humanity of persecution, committed extraterritorially by high officials of the regime against Belarusians in exile. Therefore, on September 30, Lithuania was the first country that, following the ideals of international justice, has exercised its right under Article 14 of the Rome Statute and referred the situation of transborder crimes against humanity of senior officials of the Lukashenko authorities to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. One of the most important questions today is: Will other countries join Lithuania's referral in the future? Practice shows that other state parties joining the referral is important for the success of this process. We therefore call on our partners - especially Poland and Latvia, who have provided a safe haven to the majority of Belarusian refugees - to join Lithuania’s courageous referral, strengthening these accountability efforts. And I truly believe that this excellent expert discussion today will provide the attendees with convincing arguments.   I thank you!

Belarus is preparing a new edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus . Reports suggest that the new version plans to downgrade the conservation status of the European bison, brown bear, lynx, and badger. According to Pavel Heshthov t, Deputy Director for Science and Innovation at the Scientific and Practical Center for Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, there are allegedly "objective reasons" for this decision. However, it seems that the real "objective reason" threatening these species is the persistent lobbying by Igor Shunevich , former Minister of Internal Affairs and now head of the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen. The motivation is straightforward: to legalize the already ongoing hunting of protected and highly valuable animals, organize a "Belarusian safari" for Lukashenko’s elite and close associates, and profit from selling permits to hunt Red Book species. Will Shunevich succeed in carrying out this criminal plan to slaughter protected animals? As long as Lukashenko holds power in Belarus, the answer is unfortunately yes. Who Is Igor Shunevich? Igor Shunevich served as Belarus' Minister of Internal Affairs from 2012 to 2019 and was the former general director of the Minsk hockey club Dinamo . He is infamous for attending the May 9, 2015 Victory Day Parade in an NKVD officer’s uniform. In May 2019, Shunevich refused to apologize to the Roma community after mass detentions conducted during the investigation into the death of a traffic police officer near Mogilev. Since October 2021, Shunevich has headed the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen  (BOOR) and, much like during his time as Minister of Internal Affairs, has taken on this role with reckless enthusiasm, disregarding both the law and common sense. One of his first moves was to express disdain for the Red Book of Belarus , a document protecting rare and endangered species of animals, plants, and fungi. Notably, this document also restricts his ability to orchestrate the hunting and commercialization of protected species. In Shunevich’s view, the Red Book  is a "rudiment", an obsolete tool that hinders the "rational" use of natural resources. Rational use, in his interpretation, means exploitation to serve the interests of Lukashenko and his inner circle. Shunevich even proposed removing bison and bears from the Red Book  and opened discussions about hunting storks — a symbol of Belarus — and "arrogant predators" who, he claims, "are losing their fear of humans". For Shunevich and the regime he serves, it is crucial that fear of them prevails in all spheres. Shunevich has stated that the valuable and protected wildlife of Belarus is overpopulated: "There are too many bears; they need to be culled. And bison, supposedly, no longer require protection. Regarding predators, he frames them as having developed a habit of disregarding people:  "Of course, predators have a role in nature. But if they start getting cocky due to the lack of hunting pressure and lose all fear of humans, that’s abnormal" . He even criticizes birds for their "excessive success": "If the populations of swans and storks were slightly reduced, it would only benefit other species". Criticism and Resistance In response to criticism from zoologists and conservationists, Shunevich dismisses them as "eco-loons", refusing to accept the perspective that animals and birds are not mere resources but living inhabitants of Belarus' forests, steppes, and wetlands, whose existence has intrinsic value. Regrettably, there is currently no one in Belarus to effectively resist such madness against protected wildlife. Some environmentalists have been imprisoned by the Lukashenko regime, while others have fled the country due to repression. A Trophy Hunting Agenda As head of BOOR, Shunevich also advocates for the development of a trophy-hunting industry at the state level. "Belarus is a country with a rich hunting tradition. Today, we believe that hunting trophies should become a national asset. There should be a national trophy book, rankings, competitions, and other events that are integral parts of the hunting industry and culture", Shunevich said. This vision marks the next step: after the slaughter of protected animals, Shunevich is laying the groundwork to institutionalize his plans at the state level. In November 2023, the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen, under the leadership of Igor Shunevich, introduced awards called the "Great Belarusian Five" and the "Great Belarusian Seven", designed to recognize trophy hunting achievements. To earn such a "distinction", hunters must "harvest" specific trophies within five years, according to standards outlined in a special regulation. Notably, the first of these awards was already presented by Shunevich to his ideological inspiration — the dictator Alexander Lukashenko. For the dubious "Great Belarusian Five" award, a hunter must take down a moose, deer, roe deer, wolf, and wild boar. To achieve the "Great Belarusian Seven", one must additionally kill a European bison and a capercaillie. These awards come at the cost of animal lives, with many of these species already facing serious concerns from environmentalists about their survival in the wild. By creating a culture of trophies, the regime seeks to legitimize and promote the killing of animals that are not merely trophies but an integral part of Belarus's living nature. Behind this lies the pursuit of profit, and those in power, led by Lukashenko, are unlikely to stop themselves. They are greedy and unscrupulous, prioritizing short-term gains over ethical principles. Shunevich’s actions and statements shock with their cruelty and complete disregard for the role of wildlife in ecosystems. He carelessly proposes reclassifying the European bison as a game species, arguing that it is "no longer threatened" and can be "harvested by the dozens." Yet the European bison is not just a species that was recently on the brink of extinction—it is a symbol of Belarus. Contrary to the logic of conservation, which values every life of these rare animals, Shunevich is ready to reverse years of efforts to protect them for the financial interests of Lukashenko and his inner circle. He calls himself a hunter, but a true hunter respects the forest and its inhabitants. Without this respect, one becomes a cynical poacher. Hunting originally emerged as a means of survival when humans depended on nature, understanding and respecting its rhythms, and taking no more than necessary. At its core was the awareness that forests and their inhabitants are not just resources but part of a unified world whose well-being directly impacts humanity. These concepts, however, seem alien to Shunevich. Even more alarming is his attitude towards bears. His shocking proposal to "regulate their population" because they supposedly "have lost their fear of humans" reveals that he sees animals not as living beings but as problems to be "solved." Such a stance reflects a shortsighted and dangerous understanding of human-wildlife relationships. This approach undermines principles of humane treatment of animals, leads to ecosystem degradation, disrupts natural balance, and diminishes biodiversity—values that should underpin state policy. Under the guise of promoting hunting in Belarus, Shunevich also actively lobbies for involving hunters in territorial defense. He argues that hunters possess knowledge, weapons, equipment, and vehicles that could be used to guard facilities, support snipers, and counter diversionary-reconnaissance groups. Following his suggestion, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense organized retraining courses for hunters to qualify for the military specialty of "sniper." The question arises—why? Is this preparation for new protests in the country? Such steps may signal the regime’s intent to create additional forces to ensure its security. Shunevich, with his primitive outlook, seems incapable of imagining what Belarus could be if the state genuinely cared for its unique natural heritage. Instead of encouraging hunters to kill protected animals, Belarus could become a magnet for millions of tourists eager to see European bison, lynx, deer, moose, and other treasures of its forests in their natural habitats. Imagine a Belarus where every corner of nature is not a hunting ground but a protected area where humans and animals coexist in harmony. In such a country, caring for nature would become not just a fashionable topic but a key pillar of sustainable development. By viewing our forests, meadows, and wetlands as living treasures, we could create new opportunities for growth and earn not from bloodshed but from the beauty that is becoming increasingly scarce on our planet. Picture forest trails designed for wildlife observation, where people encounter deer, elk, and other woodland creatures that are unafraid of human presence because they are protected and respected. Belarusian forests could become a magnet for eco-tourism, attracting visitors from around the world eager to see bison, lynxes, and storks in their natural habitats—not behind the bars of a zoo. We could establish safe viewing platforms offering breathtaking sights of wild animals. Visitors could stay in eco-friendly lodges that blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This approach could generate significantly more revenue for the country than hunting. Beyond tourism, Belarus could become a hub for nature conservation education. In reserves, we could organize eco-camps and excursions for schoolchildren and students, teaching them about forest life and the importance of protecting biodiversity. Workshops for children and adults could focus on birdwatching, trekking, and nature photography. Think of how many jobs this focus on nature could create—from guides and rangers to reserve staff, instructors, and researchers. Investments in these areas would improve the well-being of local communities, providing jobs and opportunities for growth. Local artisans, craftsmen, and producers of natural goods could also support this eco-friendly business by selling their creations and delicacies to visitors. In a world where Belarus is renowned for its natural wealth, not hunting but respectful stewardship of forests and wildlife would become a source of national pride. For Belarus, in a post-Lukashenko era, to become a country where nature conservation and economic development go hand in hand, significant reevaluation of priorities will be required, along with the support of civil society and investors, and the involvement of international organizations. Environmentally focused governance can lay a strong foundation for the country’s future, where protecting and respecting nature will be a source of national pride and a model for other nations to follow.

An expert event titled "Paths to Resolving the Political Crisis in Belarus Using the Example of Poland's Round Table" took place yesterday at the Museum Free BelarusMuseum in Warsaw. The event aimed to analyze Poland's experience and explore potential scenarios for democratic changes in Belarus. It was organized by the United Transitional Cabinet's office for the transition of power and the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM). Following the unprecedented violence of Lukashenko's regime in August 2020, one of the key demands of the Belarusian people has been fair democratic elections under the supervision of international observers. Essentially, this represents a demand for a power transition process and the transfer of authority and responsibility within the political system. One potential pathway for the transition of power in Belarus could involve dialogue between the ruling elites (those not involved in crimes) and democratic forces, using a "round table" or negotiation format. This scenario would ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict, with interested parties reaching a compromise, potentially including political reforms, new elections, or other democratization steps — topics discussed during the event. The event brought together Belarusian and Polish experts, political and public figures, including Pavel Latushka , representative of the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) for the transition of power; Pavel Barkouski , acting representative for national revival in UTC; Angelika Melnikava , spokesperson for the Coordination Council; Valery Matskevich , chief of staff of the UTC; Yuri Gubarevich  and Artsiom Brukhan , deputies for the transition of power; Aleś Mikhalevich , lawyer and deputy chairman of the "For Freedom" movement; Jan Malick i, director of the Center for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw; Alexander Rakitsky , former prosecutor; Dzmitry Kruk , expert at BEROC; Vadim Mazheiko , political analyst, among others. "The strengthening of democratic institutions and Belarusian democratic society, on the one hand, and the readiness of the elites to resolve the socio-political crisis in Belarus, on the other hand, are prerequisites for conducting any negotiations. Any negotiation processes can only occur under the condition that Lukashenko is not a part of them. Because Lukashenko will not engage in talks, and the elites will be afraid to do so as long as he controls power. It is especially important to be prepared for such events: internal pressure, strong democratic institutions, and reliable external partners who, at a critical moment, will be ready to support the democratic aspirations of Belarusians", said Pavel Latushka, representative of the United Transitional Cabinet for the transition of power and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), during the event. Pavel Latushka also emphasized: "Sociological data shows that 97% of Belarusians want to live in an independent country — the Republic of Belarus. And I know that similar sentiments are shared by a significant portion of the nomenklatura. During my work as a minister and diplomat, I had experience interacting with those who today hold key positions in the state administration system. It is important for those officials who have not committed crimes, who hold pro-state and pro-Belarusian views, to understand that the main obstacle to Belarus' exit from the socio-political crisis is Lukashenko, and that the national interest of the country aligns with resolving this crisis. If a member of the nomenklatura has not committed crimes, has not been involved in repression or crimes against the Belarusian people, they should understand that no one will 'hang them on poles', as Lukashenko tries to scare officials. However, those who have committed serious crimes must understand that accountability for them will be inevitable".

Today, November 27, 2024, Pavel Latushka , the deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), was invited to the working group session of the Sejm and Senate of Poland. During the first part of the meeting, elections were held for the chair of the "For a Free Belarus" Parliamentary Group. The former Marshal of the Sejm and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, now the chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Grzegorz Schetyna , was elected as the new chair. In the second part of the meeting, Pavel Latushka presented proposals on behalf of the UTC of Belarus for cooperation with the group and actions to support the Belarusian society’s fight for democratic change. The key proposals included: Non-recognition of the sham elections organized by Lukashenko on January 26, 2025. Support for bringing Lukashenko to justice for crimes against the Belarusian people. Assistance in legalizing Belarusian citizens in Poland, including Belarusian volunteers. Access to higher education for applicants from Belarus. Support for Belarusian identity and independent media. Grzegorz Schetyna, the head of the group, noted that it is in Poland's interest to "maintain an active policy regarding Belarus, continue the isolation of the regime, and at the same time be open to Belarusian society". Polish parliamentarians also emphasized the importance of focusing EU member states' attention on the situation in Belarus during Poland's presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2025. They will also support the participation of representatives of democratic institutions and initiatives in EU events during this presidency. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to set a schedule for mutual events to focus attention on Belarusian issues in the European Union, including the importance of the release of political prisoners and stopping the mass repressions in Belarus. Public hearings in the Polish Parliament on the situation in Belarus are also planned, organized by the "For a Free Belarus" working group. The second part of the meeting was also attended by Angelika Melnikova , the spokeswoman of the Coordination Council, who provided information on the activities of the Coordination Council and expressed readiness to cooperate with the Polish Parliamentary group. An agreement was made to develop mutual cooperation plans.

NAM lawyer Kyrylyuk Mikhail  emphasized in an interview with Radio Svaboda  that the authorities turn a blind eye to international extremists while targeting Belarusians for their national identity, treating them as if they were terrorists: "When Russian soldiers, who have committed crimes in Ukraine that can be equated with true extremism, come to Belarus, they are allowed to promote the narratives of the 'Russian World' and even teach Belarusian youth 'patriotism.' The authorities overlook this.Yet, the founder of Symbal.by , a true patriot of his country, Pavel Belavus, was imprisoned essentially for promoting Belarusian national ideas. The deputy editor of Nasha Niva highlighted the harsh treatment in prisons towards those speaking Belarusian. Persecution of Belarusians in Belarus has become state policy" . Those advocating "traditional values" violate Christian principles: Kyrylyuk Mikhail   pointed out the increasing repression even against relatives of political prisoners who seek to support their loved ones: "Providing help and sending packages to prisoners is charity and a fundamental aspect of Christian morality, as mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. But here, people are jailed for assisting innocent individuals in prison. This represents a grave violation of human rights and moral values. This indicates that even in the fourth year of violent power retention, Lukashenka and his associates do not feel secure. They seek to maintain an atmosphere of fear and terror in the country, clearly believing it to be their only source of power ", says NAM lawyer.