During Kariņš' tenure, relations with neighbouring country Belarus have become increasingly strained. In January 2021, Kariņš declared that he would not see it possible for Minsk to host the 2021 IIHF World Championship because of violent suppression of peaceful protests in Belarus.
During Kariņš' tenure, connections with neighboring Belarus have become increasingly complicated. In January 2021, Kariņš declared that he would not allow Minsk to host the 2021 IIHF World Championship due to the violent suppression of peaceful protests in Belarus.