Lithuanian Seimas Speaker: Restoration of Economic Relations with Belarus Possible Only After the End of the War
Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas stated that Lithuania's economic relations with Belarus can only be restored after peace is established in Ukraine. According to him, possible cooperation also requires an end to contraband transfers (in particular, via hot air balloons), the release of detained trucks, and the release of political prisoners in Belarus, writes LRT.
Juozas Olekas. Photo: lrs.lt
The regime of European sanctions against Belarus is currently being discussed in Lithuania, as the term of previously imposed sanctions expires at the end of February. In this regard, Juozas Olekas emphasized the need for unity among European countries and noted that another attempt to extend the sanctions would be made.
The politician believes that only after the cessation of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the establishment of peace there can opportunities for new economic relations with Belarus emerge.
At the end of last year, several instances were recorded where contraband was transported from Belarus via hot air balloons, disrupting the operation of Lithuanian airports. Similar incidents also occurred in 2026. In addition, Minsk detained several thousand Lithuanian vehicles.
The Seimas Speaker noted that all possible channels, including sanctions and their strengthening, should be used to resolve these problems.
“Another measure has appeared — it is our interaction with the USA and the activities of American diplomats with individual representatives of the Belarusian regime, which also yields results: both a reduction in violations of our air border and the release of political prisoners,” Olekas stated. “And we must maintain a certain unity with Europe.”
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