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Kyiv and Vilnius respond to Belarus election crisis
Summary
A look back at 18 August 2020, when Lithuania moved on sanctions and Ukraine had just recalled its ambassador from Minsk.
How were Belarus's neighbours reacting to the disputed presidential election? On 18 August 2020, Lithuanian MPs approved economic sanctions against Belarus over the contested vote.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius said Lithuania was sending a strong message to the world. He also said Lithuania refused to recognise Alexander Lukashenko as President.
Kyiv recalls its ambassador
A day earlier, on 17 August 2020, Ukraine recalled its Ambassador to Belarus. The stated aim was to assess the new reality and the prospects for further bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Defiance in Minsk
The moves followed a speech on 16 August 2020, when Lukashenko addressed supporters in Independence Square in Minsk. He claimed Belarus would die as a state if new elections were held, and accused NATO of massing on the border. Opposition critics said most of those at the rally had been coerced into attending and bussed in from other parts of the country.
Within three days, the situation had drawn a diplomatic response from two neighbouring states: an ambassador recalled by Ukraine and sanctions approved in Lithuania.
