5TH CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA
The 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora took place in Warsaw on May 1–2. Over two days, participants discussed Belarusian identity abroad, shared successful practices from different countries, and explored practical solutions for Belarusians living outside the country.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered an opening address, noting that over the years, Belarusians have not only preserved their unity but also learned to respond to new challenges together.
The conference brought together diaspora representatives, experts, and activists to discuss current challenges, exchange experiences, and strengthen cooperation among Belarusian communities. At least 185 participants attended in person on the first day, which concluded with a debate among candidates for the Coordination Council on the role of this body for Belarusians in exile.
On the second day, Franак Viacorka addressed participants: “We need to build the Belarusian case and the Belarusian story. Everyone is learning from us because this is a unique story. Complaining that everything is hopeless is not enough — it is demotivating. We need more successful examples and mutual motivation. Only cooperation between the democratic forces and diasporas brings results”.
At the end of the conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a closing speech, thanking the Belarusian community for its unity, mutual support, and readiness to continue working together.
THREE SEAS SUMMIT
From April 28 to 30, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya paid a working visit to Croatia, where she attended the Three Seas Summit and held a series of high-level meetings.
- With Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, she discussed the release of political prisoners, the situation around the European Humanities University, and support for Belarusians in Lithuania.
- Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya addressed the release of Andrzej Poczobut, recent developments, and further Belarus–Poland cooperation.
- With Romanian President Nicușor Dan, she discussed deepening cooperation, Romania’s potential participation in the International Humanitarian Fund, cooperation with NGOs, and a possible visit to Bucharest.
- Estonian Parliament Speaker Lauri Hussar and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed sanctions policy, support for Belarusian youth, and future cooperation.
Anatoli Liabedzka summarized the results of the visit. Key outcomes included the process of creating a “For a Democratic Belarus” Group launched in the Croatian parliament, contacts with parliamentary delegations, and Estonia considering signing a memorandum with the democratic forces of Belarus.
CONSTITUTION DAY IN POLAND
On May 3, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in Constitution Day celebrations in Poland. At the invitation of President Nawrocki, she attended the ceremony awarding Andrzej Poczobut the Order of the White Eagle — Poland’s highest state decoration. She also joined an official march in central Warsaw and events at the Presidential Palace.
MEETING WITH MANTAS ADOMĖNAS
On April 27, the Director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Lithuania, Dzianis Kuchynski, held a meeting in Vilnius with the Chair of the Governing Board of the European Humanities University (EHU), Mantas Adomėnas, who is also the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of a situation requiring urgent and precise steps following the Lukashenka regime’s designation of EHU as an “extremist organization”. The discussion primarily focused on security concerns. Early signals already indicate pressure and risks for those connected to the university: students, their families, lecturers, staff, and graduates. The parties also discussed a strategic direction — the preservation of EHU’s mission as a university in exile for Belarusians — as well as support for students, including possible additional scholarships, tuition assistance, and real pathways to continue education in safe conditions.
MEETING WITH LITHUANIAN PRIME MINISTER’S TEAM
On May 1, Dzianis Kuchynski met in Vilnius with the team of Lithuania’s Prime Minister, Ingrida Ruginienė. The Lithuanian side was represented by the Prime Minister Ruginienė’s Diplomatic Advisor, Kęstutis Kudzmanas, and National Security Advisor, Vidmantas Kaladinskas.
The parties discussed the Office’s plans in Lithuania and priority areas of work, sanctions, restrictions against Belarusians in Lithuania, the regime’s hybrid attacks, and ways to support and preserve the EHU.
EVENT ON CHORNOBYL
On April 27, 2026, an international event titled “The Chornobyl Shadow 40 Years Later: Securing the Future of Belarus and Ukraine” took place in Prague, marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster and addressing current nuclear threats in the region. It brought together diplomats, experts, and representatives of the democratic forces of Belarus to discuss how the Lukashenka regime and Russia use nuclear infrastructure and rhetoric as tools of geopolitical pressure. The program included a panel discussion, an analytical briefing, and a presentation of a draft report on nuclear risks in Belarus.
The event was organized by the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, with the support of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the Kaściuška Security Studies Institute, BelPol, and the Embassy of Lithuania in the Czech Republic.
RELEASE OF ANDRZEJ POCZOBUT
On April 28, Andrzej Poczobut and four other political prisoners were released. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on this occasion: “This is a great joy for his family and for all of us who supported and waited for Andrzej Poczobut throughout this entire time. He spent more than five years behind bars simply because he did not abandon the truth and continued to write honestly about what was happening in Belarus. His resilience, dignity, and steadfastness have become an example for all of us”.
LABOR DAY ADDRESS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made an address on Labor Day: “Belarusians often do the everyday work that goes unnoticed. Parents raise children. Volunteers care for the elderly and the sick. Activists support former political prisoners. And every skill gained in forced exile, every new job, every business preserved is a contribution to our return home and the rebuilding of our country. The strength, hard work, and dignity of our people are the true face of Belarus”.
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also addressed Belarusians on World Press Freedom Day: “Today, I want to thank all journalists — those in prison, in exile, and inside the country who continue to work. Truth is the greatest threat to the regime and the greatest value for the people”.
COORDINATION COUNCIL ELECTION
The election to the fourth convocation of the Coordination Council will take place in the coming weeks. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Pavel Tereshkovich, referred to historical experience to underscore its significance: “Many are dissatisfied with the Coordination Council. I also have questions about it. But we have no other one now. If you want it not to be a source of embarrassment, elect proven, honest, and professional people. What matters is that it exists. Because we can’t know when and how it will be needed. But that moment will come — I am certain of it”.
MEDIA
Zerkalo (Belarus), Pozirk (Belarus), AP News (International), Polskie Radio (Poland), Polskie Radio Białystok (Poland), Radio Bialystok (Poland), Res Publica Nowa (Poland), Fighting for democracy (Italy).
