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“No One Can Be Safe in Belarus”: Lithuanian Myroslav Trotsky Sentenced to 15 Years for “Espionage”
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A Belarusian court has sentenced Lithuanian national Myroslav Trotsky to 15 years in prison on charges of espionage, according to Lithuanian media outlet LRT on April 1.
The sentencing follows Trotsky's arrest in 2024 after traveling to Belarus, where he was visiting family members and had ties to a Belarusian citizen.
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Trotsky, who was either married to or engaged with a Belarusian woman, traveled to Belarus in the fall of 2024, where he was detained. On March 11, 2026, the court handed down a 15-year prison sentence for espionage.
Following the sentencing, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene called on citizens to carefully assess the risks of traveling to Belarus.
“We see arrests, we see unjustified arrests, and we are making every effort together with our strategic partners to free as many political prisoners as possible,” Ruginiene said.
When asked if the incident could change the possibility of dialogue with Minsk, Ruginiene responded, emphasizing that each country must fulfill its responsibilities.
“During the development of dialogue, every country must do its homework. We have done our homework, we are ready, but we want to see the same from the other country. Once that is done, we will be able to consider it," Ruginiene added.
She also noted the risks faced by citizens and warned that “the Belarusian regime says that no one can be safe in Belarus.” The Prime Minister's comments highlighted the continuing dangers for foreign nationals in Belarus, particularly given the ongoing arrests and political tensions.
Meanwhile, in Belarus, growing military activity is prompting concerns among neighboring countries, particularly NATO members. This includes mass convocations of reservists and intensified drills near the Ukrainian border, actions which, while routine according to military experts, are being closely scrutinized by the international community.
Since mid-February 2026, Belarusian authorities have mobilized reserves for unexpected military exercises, causing widespread alarm. The draft, which has affected many fathers with multiple children, has drawn attention on social media as reports indicate that even individuals with no previous military experience are being quickly summoned for training.
The exercises, conducted in areas close to the Ukrainian border, are officially deemed part of regular readiness checks, meant to assess logistics and mobilization capabilities in high-pressure scenarios. However, their proximity to Ukraine, combined with the ongoing Russian invasion and Belarus's military alliance with Russia, has led to growing speculation about the true intent behind these maneuvers.
In addition to this, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys previosuly stated that restoring normal relations with Russia is not feasible under the current circumstances, stressing the importance of continuing to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war against Ukraine.
“There can be no return to normal cooperation with Russia. Sanctions should remain in place and be intensified, accountability for war crimes must be pursued, and Russia’s diplomatic isolation must continue,” Budrys remarked during a press briefing.
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-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
