Tomas Tomilinas, 39, speaks Belarusian fluently. How can a Lithuanian deputy from the Seimas Green Party and a peasant from the city of Anykščiai speak so fluently?Ukraine has revealed Russia’s weakness. Belarusians do not have a slave mentality. In 2020, Belarusians proved that Belarus is a European nation. As soon as Lukashenko dies or resigns, Belarus will be a general country. Nasha Niva published a verbal exchange with a Lithuanian parliamentarian from seimas.
NN: What country did your circle of relatives identify with?
TT: Diverse, because I have Lithuanian, Russian, Polish and Belarusian roots in my family. We thought we were Poles. It’s hard to say for sure. It’s all very combined ici. No is unusual for the Vilnius region. to answer the question of what nationality you are.
NN: What does Belarus mean to you?
TT: If we talk about people, they are our people. They are not only very close to us. They are our people. As for the state, first of all, we are neighbors. Secondly, Belarus is a country with a terrible fate, which depends on a single person. It’s sad.
When I still had the opportunity, I visited Belarus quite often. I know him well, especially the western regions, I have many friends in the cities and towns of Belarus. First of all, Belarus for me, those are my friends. In my youth, I was interested in political and social projects similar to Belarus. I know some Belarusian politicians, journalists and activists very well.
NN: How do Lithuanians understand Belarus today?
TT: The Lukashenko symbol has affected the symbol of Belarus a lot, which is a big problem. Lukashenko has been in force for so long, Belarus is so related to him that other people who know Belarus nothing less than the regime. It is smart. that Belarusians come to Lituanie. De many other people have left Belarus, as well as many students.
Belarus is a vital component of Lithuanian politics. It can be said that Lithuania is engaged in the “supervision” of Belarus, it is helping the Belarusian democratic community. Lithuanian society is very interested in this. Belarus is a vital neighbour for Lithuania. Lithuania is constantly looking to replace its destiny. There is also the Ukrainian factor on the agenda. However, Belarus is more for Lithuania.
NN: How do you assess the relationship between Lithuania and Belarus?
TT: If we talk about relations between states, they don’t exist. It’s almost a confrontation. Belarus, as a state, is involved in aggression against Ukraine. Sanctions are imposed on Bielorrusia. La Lithuania actively participates in this sanctions policy.
As for the peoples, Belarusians and Lithuanians have much in common. These nations have a common history. We lived together, first in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, then in Rzeczpospolita. We share a non-unusual destiny in the profession throughout the Russian Empire. Today we speak well with Biélorusses. Je I would say that we now have closer relations with Belarusians. society than with Latvian society. This is very strange, because Latvia is a country very close to Lithuania, and our languages are very similar. However, Latvia is not as culturally connected to Lithuania as Belarus.
“Change will come more smoothly than most Belarusians think”
NN: Is the option of a Russian attack on Lithuania realistic?
TT: No, I don’t think so, it’s hard to expect anything here.
An attack on Lithuania is an attack on NATO, a global war. Russia is not going to start. If I wanted to, I would already have it. The Ukrainian army almost beats the Russian army, so it is not very transparent how Russia can launch such an attack [against NATO].
He can’t defeat Ukraine, so what are they going to do here?After all, this is purely deductive reasoning. Obviously, it is difficult to wait for what the old man in the bunker will propose.
That is why Lithuania began to defend itself even before the war. Lithuanian politics deserves to remain the same in the future. Lithuania is very concerned about defense. It is an active member of NATO.
NN: What can you say to those fighting against the Belarusian dictatorship?
TT: Whatever you do, Belarus will get advantages and will be used, even if you have to wait.
Belarusians do not have a slave mentality, Belarusians are for Lithuanians. Each country can be placed in a state of democracy and dictatorship. Take the example of Germany.
So, we do not accuse ourselves of anything, of saying that Belarusians are not like that, pro-Russian, etc. Politicians just manipulate society to a greater extent and impose their silly fantasies on society.
Lukashenko, in fact, dishonored the people.
The force changes. When this happens, other people temporarily realize that the total is more than an illusion, while they can live a general life and build a general country.
Belarusians already proved in 2020 that Belarus is a European country. As soon as he (Lukashenka – NN) dies or resigns, Belarus will be a general country. There is no way to go back.
NN: When and in what situations can a replacement happen in Belarus?
TT: It’s hard to predict. I think it would possibly be similar to the war in Ukraine, how it will end and if the Putin regime falls. The question is complicated. I don’t need to speculate. However, I think the substitution will be less complicated than many Belarusians think. Possibly there would be a coup d’état or military operation, adding the involvement of the existing Belarusian army. In other words, scenarios are possible. I guess all this will happen in a short time. Of course, we’ve been talking about it for 20 years, but I’m optimistic.