A Minsk Resident: Why Do We Need Government Agencies Like This?

• 28.08.2026, 14:37

City officials are ignoring residents' complaints.

A resident of Minsk was unable to get an answer to her question about why trees were being cut down on Parkhomenko Street in the center of the capital.

“On the pressing issue of ‘tree cutting,’ — writes @ti_22.02 on Threads. — They’re going to cut down the trees on this street. Today I wasn’t able to get an answer from the Central District’s “Zelenstroy” about why the trees are being cut down, and tomorrow they’ll be gone! Soon we’ll be living in concrete. What’s the problem with these trees?”

The author of the post shared a photo of the street, which is still lush with greenery, as well as a photo of the notice warning about the tree removal. The only way she sees to prevent the trees from being destroyed is to reach out to the media.

“Everyone was indifferent, passing the buck to one another. Calling the City Planning Committee and the Central District Administration didn’t help—they also referred me to ‘Zelenstroy,’” she writes. “No one wants to take responsibility for anything, and to shift the blame, they’re simply cutting down all the trees without planting replacements.

I don’t understand why we need government agencies whose sole purpose seems to be to destroy everything and make no effort to preserve anything. Please let me know of any media outlets that can help cover this issue in Minsk.”

Minsk residents have reported on social media that trees are also being cut down in other parts of the capital. The website Charter97.org features some comments:

— Today, all the poplars on the grounds of the trade college were cut down.

— It’s the same story on Sverdlov and Kirov Streets.

— This is getting ridiculous—no trees, no problems. When is it our turn?

— You have to keep an eye on the trees and clear the leaves; they might fall on cars. It’s just a big fuss. No trees—no problems. That’s probably the reason for the war on trees.

— It’s painful to watch all this.