Poland has issued a direct and public warning to Belarus: any new repression will be met with renewed measures, including tightened trade restrictions, as stated by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in an interview with RMF FM.
A clear signal from Poland
Poland is prepared to close further routes or at least narrow them, exercising responsibility for the consequences of Lukashenko’s actions. The Prime Minister emphasized that Poland will respond decisively if repression continues, including blocking Belarusian trade to the extent necessary.
In a recent conversation with RMF FM, the head of government underscored that Poland has conveyed a unequivocal message to Belarus: any escalation will trigger an appropriate response, particularly through trade restrictions that would impact Belarusian interests.
During a visit to Poland, Morawiecki met the wife of Nobel laureate Ales Byalyatski, who spoke about the brutal treatment of individuals expressing even mild opposition to the regime. The Prime Minister affirmed that Poland must respond to these human rights abuses and stand with those who seek a freer society.
Sanctions
Morawiecki also announced plans to consult with Lithuania on EU sanctions against Belarus, noting that progress has stalled for more than two months. The Prime Minister suggested a strategic pause to reassess and then move forward with a united approach.
“It’s worth taking a step back to take three steps forward,” he remarked, framing the broader strategy for there to be tangible, collective action among allies in the region.
Morawiecki indicated that talks with Lithuanian allies are on the horizon and pointed out that Belarus remains a crucial transit corridor for Russian goods, making a coordinated blockade a potentially effective lever. This stance aligns with ongoing discussions among European partners about tightening sanctions to pressure Minsk to alter its course.
Additional context: discussions surrounding stronger sanctions against Russia continue to be a prominent topic, with Poland emphasising its role in shaping a cohesive European response. Poland’s leadership stressed the importance of allied consensus and the potential impact of coordinated measures across the EU. The emphasis remains on using sanctions, alongside other diplomatic tools, to press for changes in Belarusian policy and human rights practices.
olin/PAP
Source: wPolityce