Today, February 25, in Paris, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who currently chairs the EU Council of Ministers. The meeting took place a few hours before the discussion in Brussels on the Lukashenka regime, its actions and participation in the war in Ukraine.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya said that Belarusian infrastructure, airfields are used in the attack on Ukraine. Russian tanks freely enter through the Belarusian border into the territory of Ukraine. Lukashenka and his regime bear responsibility for that.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya noted that the issue of sovereignty is on the top of the agenda for Belarusians. They are expecting assurances and guarantees that the EU member states will stand up for Belarus. Already now, it appears that Belarus has lost its military sovereignty, as Belarusian territory is used in another nation’s war under the guise of exercises.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya and Minister Le Drian discussed possible further sanctions. The Belarusian leader noted the importance of isolating the regime and abstaining from its recognition. The regime is no longer independent, as its has lost any legitimacy and autonomy. Lukashenka cannot be called president, as well as sign or decide anything on behalf of Belarusians. Sanctions are also needed against propaganda state television channels, the petrochemical complex, the potash industry, state banks, and all those institutions affiliated with people who support the war.
The draft constitution proposed by Lukashenka was also discussed at the meeting. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya noted that the regime’s rejection of neutrality and nuclear-weapon-free status makes Belarus a threat to the whole of Europe. She invited the French minister to raise these issues at the highest level as an international reaction is needed.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed solidarity with Ukraine and urged Minister Le Drian to support the country in every possible way. Ukraine is where the fate of Belarus and all of Europe is now being decided.
The French Foreign Minister expressed full support for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Belarusian democratic movement. He stated that neither France, nor the EU recognize Lukashenka in principle, and they will continue to put pressure on the regime.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also spoke about her decision to assume the responsibility of the national leader until sovereignty and independence are ensured, stability is established, and new fair presidential elections are held. She said that this decision was a response to Lukashenka’s high treason and the regime’s participation in the aggression against Ukraine. Tsikhanouskaya invited France to support this initiative and said she is convening the cabinet that will act as the national political body.
