MINSK, 8 February (BelTA) – Chairman of Belarus’ State Control Committee Vasily Gerasimov shared his view on the situation in Vitebsk Oblast during an interview with the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.
In October 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a large-scale field meeting on measures to ensure the sustainable development of Vitebsk Oblast. According to Vasily Gerasimov, after that shake-up, fairly serious efforts were taken to sort things out in the region, but then the work slowed down.
“There was movement, and quite serious movement, but later, based on our observations, people began to settle down somewhat. It is not a good trend. Problems are many,” he said.
He recalled that the spring planting season lies ahead and thorough preparation is needed. “There are numerous problems with field works. We haven't planted all the winter crops, nor have we fully plowed the fallow land. The amount of fertilizer is half of last year’s. Equipment is not ready. Machinery is not being repaired; probably farms are awaiting new ones. I'm not even mentioning the state of the equipment put in storage: it's all uncleaned, painful to look at,” Vasily Gerasimov added.
In turn, Governor of Vitebsk Oblast Aleksandr Rogozhnik, who was appointed to this position in January of this year, noted that the head of state has mobilized all senior officials to address the problems facing Vitebsk Oblast. “Today, the top priority is to prepare thoroughly for the spring planting season, which will determine the future development of the agricultural industry,” Aleksandr Rogozhnik emphasized.
In early February, the president once again convened a meeting to discuss the social and economic development of the region. The head of state stressed that the region must realistically evaluate its achievements and capabilities and strive for results: “If you think that we will continue to carry Vitebsk Oblast on our shoulders, as well as some enterprises in Mogilev Oblast, Gomel Oblast, Minsk Oblast and others, you are mistaken. If you want to live and work, you need to start pushing forward on your own.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko also urged the new regional leader to deal with the administrative apparatus in Vitebsk Oblast to ensure that there are no dependents: “I'm not saying that you should make a rushed decision. You can't bring people from the moon. There are people who can be persuaded to work there. Figure out who you can work with,” he said.
In October 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a large-scale field meeting on measures to ensure the sustainable development of Vitebsk Oblast. According to Vasily Gerasimov, after that shake-up, fairly serious efforts were taken to sort things out in the region, but then the work slowed down.
“There was movement, and quite serious movement, but later, based on our observations, people began to settle down somewhat. It is not a good trend. Problems are many,” he said.
He recalled that the spring planting season lies ahead and thorough preparation is needed. “There are numerous problems with field works. We haven't planted all the winter crops, nor have we fully plowed the fallow land. The amount of fertilizer is half of last year’s. Equipment is not ready. Machinery is not being repaired; probably farms are awaiting new ones. I'm not even mentioning the state of the equipment put in storage: it's all uncleaned, painful to look at,” Vasily Gerasimov added.
In turn, Governor of Vitebsk Oblast Aleksandr Rogozhnik, who was appointed to this position in January of this year, noted that the head of state has mobilized all senior officials to address the problems facing Vitebsk Oblast. “Today, the top priority is to prepare thoroughly for the spring planting season, which will determine the future development of the agricultural industry,” Aleksandr Rogozhnik emphasized.
In early February, the president once again convened a meeting to discuss the social and economic development of the region. The head of state stressed that the region must realistically evaluate its achievements and capabilities and strive for results: “If you think that we will continue to carry Vitebsk Oblast on our shoulders, as well as some enterprises in Mogilev Oblast, Gomel Oblast, Minsk Oblast and others, you are mistaken. If you want to live and work, you need to start pushing forward on your own.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko also urged the new regional leader to deal with the administrative apparatus in Vitebsk Oblast to ensure that there are no dependents: “I'm not saying that you should make a rushed decision. You can't bring people from the moon. There are people who can be persuaded to work there. Figure out who you can work with,” he said.
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