Lithuanian Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has indicated that the country’s president and government should agree on a future strategy toward Belarus and suggested dialogue with Minsk could be considered if initiated by the United States. A radical – if cautious – shift in the rhetoric coming from a top politician has ruffled some feathers.
Sinkevičius’ remarks triggered criticism from both government officials and the opposition, who argued there have been no meaningful changes in Belarus’ behaviour toward Lithuania, a presumed precondition for any détente between Vilnius and Minsk.
The debate comes as Lithuanian authorities continue to accuse Belarus of orchestrating hybrid attacks, including irregular migration and disruptions caused by smuggler balloons drifting into Lithuanian airspace.
Lithuanian border guards recently detained 18 migrants who entered the country through a tunnel dug from Belarus into Lithuania’s Varėna district. The migrants were returned to Belarus. Officials said such tunnels are “unlikely” to be dug without the knowledge of Belarusian authorities.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Sinkevičius said he had seen signs of change following a March visit to Minsk by US special envoy John Coale.
