Lithuania rejects calls for political dialogue with Belarus

The Lithuanian presidency has dismissed a proposal by the leader of the ruling Social Democratic Party to open political talks with Belarus, stating that conditions for such dialogue do not currently exist, LRT reports.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, head of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), had suggested that the country’s top institutions should discuss how to engage with Minsk. However, presidential foreign policy advisor Asta Skaisgirytė told Žinių Radijas on Tuesday that while technical-level communication remains necessary, high-level political dialogue is not feasible.

“Dialogue with this country on normal terms is very difficult,” Skaisgirytė said. “Can we maintain a certain technical line of communication? Yes. But I see no possibility for a normal political dialogue at the leadership level right now—there are no conditions for it.”

Sinkevičius had earlier told BNS that Lithuania should participate in potential trilateral or bilateral consultations with Belarus if initiated by the US. Skaisgirytė dismissed this as hypothetical, noting that no such invitations had been extended by Washington.

“Mr. Trump is not inviting us, nor is he inviting Belarus,” she said. “It’s better not to engage in hypothetical scenarios—there are simply no conditions for such leadership-level meetings at present.”

A recent public opinion poll by Baltijos Tyrimai found that 64% of Lithuanians would support limited official contacts with Belarus, such as at the deputy foreign minister level. The debate follows increased political engagement between Washington and Minsk in recent years.