What Others Write About Belarus – October 31, 2026

In brief

• Siarhei Tsikhanouski, after his release from prison, criticises both Lukashenko's regime and the office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, which may affect the Belarusian opposition in exile, according to DW.
• Tsikhanouski points out that many Belarusians regret their choice of Tsikhanouskaya, which undermines her legitimacy in the eyes of society.
• The administration of Donald Trump is trying to persuade Lithuania to resume the export of Belarusian potash fertilisers, which could weaken European sanctions imposed on Lukashenko's regime, reports NV.
• Lithuania firmly rejects proposals to resume exports, stressing that it does not intend to give in to pressure, which raises concerns among European officials.

German press

The German DW reports on internal tensions in the family of Siarhei Tsikhanouski, which may affect the Belarusian opposition in exile. After his release from prison, Tsikhanouski criticises not only the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko, but also the office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other people associated with the opposition. He points out that many Belarusians who voted for Tsikhanouskaya now regret their choice, which undermines her legitimacy in the eyes of Belarusian society (What the rift within the Tsikhanouski family means for the Belarusian opposition in exile – DW).

Ukrainian press

The Ukrainian NV reports that the administration of Donald Trump is trying to persuade Lithuania to resume the export of Belarusian potash fertilisers through the port of Klaipėda, which could weaken European sanctions imposed on the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko. Lithuania, one of Ukraine's most loyal allies in the EU, firmly rejects these proposals, stressing that it does not intend to give in to pressure. Concerns about weakening sanctions and strengthening Lukashenko's position in the region are also expressed by European officials. («Хр*н вам». Литва отказывается открывать порты для белорусского калия, несмотря на давление США — Politico – NV)