On Friday, 31 October, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko visited the Vitebsk region, offering a prisoner exchange for journalist Andrei Poczobut and demanding that Poland open border checkpoints, sparking a diplomatic spat.
Lukashenko Visits Vitebsk, Proposes Prisoner Swap
Alexander Lukashenko visited the Vitebsk region on 31 October, stating that Belarus would release journalist Andrei Poczobut if Poland returned two or three of its own prisoners for an exchange.
Conditional Release Tied to Border Control Points
The president added that Poland must open border checkpoints in solidarity with Lithuania over smuggling allegations, a condition that was reportedly rejected by Polish officials.
Balloon Smuggling Allegations Linked to Lithuanian Airport Closure
Lukashenko cited “balloons” used to smuggle cigarettes from Belarus; Reuters reports the Vilnius airport closed for the sixth time this month amid the dispute, with Lithuania blaming the Belarusian regime.
Polish Foreign Ministry Responds
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a concise reply to Lukashenko’s statements, rejecting the accusations and maintaining Poland’s position on the issue.