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On 21 September 2026, in New York, during the UN General Assembly, Latvia highlighted the threats posed by the Belarusian regime at an international level to European and global security by initiating a ministerial-level discussion jointly organised by Latvia, the European Union, Estonia, Lithuania, Ireland, Sweden and Ukraine, entitled “Belarus: Accomplice in Russia's War Against Ukraine and a Threat to International Security”. The Foreign Minister called on countries to strengthen sanctions against Russia and Belarus and continue the international isolation of both countries.
Participants in the discussion included Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic forces; Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Kestutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania; Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; as well as other representatives of UN Member States and non-governmental organisations.
The Foreign Minister emphasised that the Belarusian regime continues to carry out unconventional attacks against European countries by weaponising illegal migration. Since the beginning of the year, Latvia has prevented more than 11,000 attempts to illegally cross the Latvian–Belarusian border. Thus, the Belarusian regime not only poses a regional threat, but also cynically manipulates and endangers tens of thousands of people from Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The human rights situation in Belarus is steadily deteriorating. The release of political prisoners and the role of the United States in this process are to be commended. At the same time, hundreds of people remain unjustly imprisoned in Belarus. The Lukashenko regime continues its politically motivated repression.
Belarus also poses a threat to international security. The Belarusian regime supports Russia’s war of aggression, and its armed forces and industry are being integrated into Russian structures. Belarus is complicit in the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children. The Lukashenko regime will be held accountable for these actions.
Baiba Braže called on all countries to intensify pressure on Belarus and Russia and to restrict economic cooperation, including by imposing strict sanctions against both regimes, as well as to continue the diplomatic and political isolation of Belarus within international organisations.
The Minister reaffirmed Latvia’s unwavering support for Belarusian democratic forces and the opposition in their efforts to achieve a free, democratic and sovereign Belarus.
