On July 31, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the European Democrat Students’ Summer University 2026. The event brought together young leaders, politicians, and experts from across Europe, including representatives of European youth political organizations, policy experts, and Polish politicians.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech, stressing that the regime has remained in power only because of Russia’s support, paying for it with Belarus’s sovereignty. Despite this, Europe increasingly views Belarus not as an extension of Russia but as part of Europe’s future. She emphasized that Belarus’s future is inseparable from the security of the entire region.
The Belarusian leader noted that the Lukashenka regime has turned Belarus into a launchpad for Russian aggression, but this does not mean that Belarusians support the war or have abandoned their independence.
She also highlighted solidarity with Ukraine and called for maintaining international pressure on the regime and continued support for Belarusian society, which continues to resist repression.
“Support young Belarusians. Keep European universities open to Belarusian students. Continue supporting independent media and civil society. Keep inviting Belarusians to take part in your events and projects. We want to contribute, share our experience, and learn from you. Poland has welcomed hundreds of thousands of Belarusians fleeing repression because Poles know from their own history what dictatorship means. Today, Poland is helping those who continue to fight for freedom. I believe solidarity is our greatest strength. It is what keeps us going”.
