On January 31, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya hosted envoys and ambassadors from the Nordic-Baltic countries at her office. The meeting participants included:
- Grete Sillasen (Denmark)
- Hermann Ingólfsson (Iceland)
- Jaana Teckenberg (Finland)
- Gunta Pastore (Latvia)
- Marko Koplimaa (Estonia)
- Lars Christensen (Norway)
- Asta Andrijauskienė (Lithuania)
- Anna Kozłowska-Słupek (Poland)
- Christina Johannesson (Sweden)
The discussions focused on:
🔹 Non-recognition of the “election” and Lukashenka’s status
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed gratitude to the representatives of these countries for their firm statements rejecting the so-called “election” that took place on January 26. She highlighted that Nordic-Baltic nations were among the strongest and clearest in their condemnation. The European Parliament, PACE, OSCE, and several international organizations have already adopted resolutions denouncing the fraudulent campaign.
🔹 Repression and political prisoners
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that, despite some experts predicting a potential easing of repression, the regime continues political persecution. She urged countries to maintain their efforts in securing the release of political prisoners and halting repression in Belarus.
🔹 Strategy
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya outlined the democratic forces’ plans for 2025, particularly in the context of possible negotiations on Ukraine. She also addressed the support for the Belarusian diaspora and the restructuring of volunteer networks inside Belarus.
🔹 Cooperation with the international community
The meeting discussed expanding Lithuania’s initiative at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to include additional countries and bring the regime to account for its crimes against humanity. It also covered support for human rights defenders and the International Humanitarian Fund to aid victims of repression.
🔹 Upcoming international initiatives
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya announced plans to participate in the Kościuszko Forum in Poland and the Munich Security Conference, where potential contacts with the new US administration will be discussed. She also invited the countries to hold an Arria-formula UN Security Council session on Belarus.
🔹 EU support and funding
A key concern was the suspension of the United States’ financial assistance for independent media and civil society. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya urged partner countries to explore alternative funding solutions to ensure the continued operation of free media.
🔹 Legal status of Belarusians in exile
The discussions covered residence legalization issues faced by Belarusians living abroad, the issuance of alien passports, and the status of the New Belarusian Passport.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the Nordic-Baltic countries for their continued support and solidarity, stressing that regional security is directly linked to Belarus’ future.
