Lithuanian Citizen Sentenced to 15 Years in Belarus for Espionage

• •Myroslav Trotsky sentenced to 15 years in Belarus for espionage.
• •Lithuanian officials warn against travel to Belarus due to arbitrary detentions.
• •Trotsky's case is seen as a tactic by Belarus to exert political pressure.

Myroslav Trotsky, a Lithuanian citizen, has been sentenced to 15 years in a Belarusian prison on espionage charges. He was detained in the fall of 2024 while visiting family in Belarus. The official verdict was announced on March 11, 2026, leading to strong condemnation from Lithuanian officials. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has warned citizens about the risks of traveling to Belarus, citing the arbitrary nature of detentions. Lithuanian authorities view Trotsky's case as part of Belarus's strategy to exert political pressure on EU and NATO countries. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry has reiterated its warnings against travel to Belarus due to high risks. Ongoing military activities in Belarus, including mobilization of reservists, have raised concerns among neighboring countries. The situation reflects deteriorating relations between Lithuania and Belarus amid the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.