Belarus' relations with the north

The meeting took place within the framework of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8). “We continue to support the Belarusian democratic forces (…) and will keep increasing pressure on the economies of Russia and Belarus through trade measures and customs policy,” reads the joint declaration by the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. The meeting was also attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Representatives of the NB8 countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and expressed their commitment to further sanctions against the Russian Federation. “Supporting Ukraine—its sovereignty, right to self-defence, and irreversible path toward the EU and NATO—is essential for the security and future of Europe, and Russia’s isolation on the international stage must continue, including in the spheres of sports and culture,” the ministers stated in their communiqué.

The participants also addressed the issue of Russian combatants who, after completing their service on the Ukrainian front, might attempt to enter Europe, posing a potential security threat. They called for the development of a comprehensive, pan-European solution within the framework of visa policy.

Following the prisoner exchange conducted earlier this week, reports have emerged suggesting the need to resume political contacts between regional states and the authorities in Minsk. However, the West does not intend to unconditionally normalise relations with Belarus. Before engaging in talks with Lukashenko, European countries are setting specific conditions. For example, Lithuania demands that Belarus first cease sending smuggling balloons, allow the return of Lithuanian trucks currently detained in Belarus, and halt the illegal migration orchestrated by Minsk.