The West Ignores Lukashenka’s Regime’s Calls to Address Migration Issues

Through a conference on illegal migration, the Lukashenka’s regime aimed to reset dialogue with the West on regional and global security matters. However, the absence of Western representatives at the event highlighted the persistent distrust toward Minsk’s initiatives.

On November 15, Minsk hosted the long-announced conference organized by the Lukashenka’s regime. Its key topics were combating illegal migration and promoting regional cooperation in addressing this issue.

Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou emphasized that Belarus was forced to organize the conference because its position has been ignored, while the situation on the border with the EU remains critical.

He reiterated that the European Union must establish a dialogue with Minsk to resolve the problem of illegal migration; otherwise, “the EU will need to build a ‘wall’ in the Middle East.”

Following well-known Belarusian propaganda narratives, the head of the Foreign Ministry blamed Western countries for the migration crisis. According to Ryzhankou, they disrupted the livelihoods of people in the migrants’ countries of origin.

Ryzhankou proposed that Brussels engage directly with Minsk and negotiate without considering the opinions of Belarus’ neighboring countries, which, in his view, take an uncompromising stance toward the Lukashenka’s regime.

A similar statement came from State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich, who called for the need to “sit at the negotiation table, conduct dialogue, develop constructive joint steps, and organize closer cooperation.” He specifically referred to Poland and the Baltic states.

Minsk claims credit for its efforts in combating illegal migration, such as more than 1,500 migrant detentions, dismantling around 60 illegal migration channels, apprehending over 170 leaders and coordinators, and initiating more than 100 criminal cases last year.

Furthermore, Volfovich argued that Western sanctions against Belarus and border fences erected by neighboring countries hinder effective joint work in combating illegal migration.

At the same time, he was forced to admit that previous proposals sent to Poland and the Baltic states to resume cooperation were ignored. Apparently, Minsk’s arguments were disregarded by European countries, as EU diplomats did not attend the conference.

Displeased with the event’s results, Ryzhankou hinted at plans to organize a conference on xenophobia in Europe against citizens of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.

Judging by official statements, Minsk viewed the conference on illegal migration as a prelude to broader discussions on regional and international security issues. It is evident that the regime is once again attempting to capitalize on these topics, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, in exchange for a return to “business as usual” with Western partners. This would include restoring institutional cooperation between security agencies, resuming financial support, and lifting sanctions on the Lukashenka’s regime. However, the lack of Western interest in dialogue with Minsk demonstrates the true attitude toward such overtures.