Protest in Lithuania: Saying NO to foreign military bases in Belarus

On February 23rd, a protest took place at Kudirki Square in Vilnius, organized by Belarusian organizations in exile, including WRI’s affiliate Our House, along with other initiatives. The demonstration gathered around 25–30 participants who expressed their strong opposition to the presence of Russian foreign military bases in Belarus.

This protest was part of the Global Day of Action to Close Foreign Military Bases, a global initiative coordinated by anti-war organizations like World Beyond War and others. The event aimed to raise awareness about the growing militarisation of Belarus and the consequences it brings, including threats to the country’s sovereignty, environmental harm, and the deepening of social inequality. Protesters argued that the Russian military presence in Belarus exacerbates these issues, undermining the country and its people.

The protesters highlighted how the presence of foreign military bases, especially Russian ones, contributes to growing instability in the region. They warned that this militarization escalates tensions not just in Belarus but across the broader international community, with unpredictable security risks, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The foreign military presence in Belarus also represents a direct threat to the country’s sovereignty. The protesters argued that it limits Belarus’s ability to independently shape its foreign and domestic policies, calling into question the country’s right to self-determination.

Environmental concerns were also raised, as military bases are often linked to air, land, and water pollution, along with excessive noise. These issues, according to the protesters, are all the more concerning given the ongoing global ecological challenges. Lastly, the protest highlighted the social injustice that often accompanies the establishment of foreign military bases. Local populations are frequently treated as second-class citizens, facing discrimination and marginalization, which further entrenches social inequalities and creates conditions for future conflict.

The protest in Vilnius was not only a call to end the foreign military presence in Belarus but also a demand to protect the country’s sovereignty, environment, and the rights of its people.