Lukashenko Tells Latvia to Stop “Playing the Fool” in Exchange with Former MEP at Minsk Security Conference
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko told a former Latvian member of the European Parliament that Latvia should stop “playing the fool” and pursue economic cooperation with Belarus, during a brief exchange at the IV Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security on November 3, 2026, la.lv reported. The remarks came as relations between the two countries remain sharply strained, with Lukashenko having warned earlier this year of possible military threats from the Baltic states.
The exchange, posted on X by the news outlet NEXTA on November 4, 2026, also included Lukashenko’s insistence that Belarus is not at war with its neighbor and that both states could reap economic benefits from working together.
How the Exchange Unfolded in Minsk
The conversation took place during the Minsk conference, which drew more than 600 participants from roughly 50 countries, including representatives of international organizations and the diplomatic corps. Lukashenko approached Andrejs Mamikins, a former Latvian representative in the European Parliament, and challenged his self-description as a “former” politician.
🇱🇻 Lukashenko tells Latvia to stop fooling around Following the Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security on November 3, the Belarusian dictator had a rather curious exchange with a former Latvian MP. Lukashenko insisted that Belarus was not at war with its neighbor… pic.twitter.com/sgIr8Ak5hI
“Why former? There are no formers – I was also a parliamentarian, so I don’t consider myself former,” Lukashenko said, according to la.lv. Mamikins responded: “God bless you! And thank you for everything you do!”
Lukashenko then laid out his economic pitch. “We are not at war with Latvia – no need to play the fool! But we can manage without Latvia, as you see, we manage. But you without us – maybe you can also manage, but why? You can get good dividends,” he said. Mamikins answered with a brief: “Thank you!”
Where the Story Stands Now
NEXTA tagged the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its November 4 post, asking: “What do you make of this, @Latvian_MFA?” As of the report, the ministry had not issued a public response to the exchange.
The remarks arrive at a moment of acute tension. In April 2026, Lukashenko announced that Belarus and Russia might have to defend themselves against a possible attack from Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine, warning that in the event of conflict both countries would use all available means.
Questions Readers Are Asking About the Lukashenko-Mamikins Meeting
Who is Andrejs Mamikins?
Mamikins is a former Latvian member of the European Parliament. Belarusian propagandists have described him as a representative of Latvia, according to NEXTA’s post.
The exchange occurred at the IV Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security on November 3, 2026, an event attended by more than 600 participants from about 50 countries.
In April 2026, he stated that Belarus and Russia could face a possible attack from Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine, and warned that both countries would use all available means in a conflict.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked publicly to comment on the exchange; no official statement had been issued at the time of reporting.
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