Expectation vs Reality: Gaidukevich Claimed Polish Media Reported His Offer to Help Fight Flood

Oleg Gaidukevich discussed cooperation with the Polish party ‘Front’ and the aid offered to the Poles during an interview on ‘Radio Minsk’, aired on October 2, 2024, 

“Some ask: why are we cooperating? We make statements. For instance, I seriously proposed this: They had a flood. Remove your troops from the border; send them to fight the flood. We'll guard the border for you. Appeal to our president; he won't refuse. You're facing a disaster. Don't want our help? We always help people. Remove your troops; we're your neighbors. The leader of the 'Front' party… I sent a video address, to all the media, and they published it. Isn't it good that the Poles learn the truth about Belarus?” the deputy wondered.

The ‘Front’ party in Poland is considered pro-Russian and pro-Belarusian and did not participate in parliamentary elections. It's led by Krzysztof Tołwiński, a former activist of the ‘Law and Justice’ (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS) party, a former member of parliament, and a former deputy minister of the state treasury.

Gaidukevich's address was published on the party's website:

“We are saddened that our neighbors are facing a flood, a tragedy, and we believe that all the equipment, armed forces, and even the excessive number of border guards should now be directed to help the people. And the Belarusians will cope with guarding the border. Moreover, we can eliminate the queues, and show how to work properly.”

The message accompanying the video, issued by the ‘Front’ party, states that Gaidukevich addressed both Polish and Belarusian authorities and that the ‘Front’ party itself requested he seek assistance from the latter.

The WTF team found no information about Oleg Gaidukevich's address in Polish media. The last time the neighboring country's media mentioned the LDPB party was before the flood, reporting on a cooperation agreement signed with the ‘Front’ party.