Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s speech at the press conference of the United Transitional Cabinet in Warsaw
Dear friends, Today, at the Cabinet meeting, we discussed our position on the plan to achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia, our strategy for the release of political prisoners, and the Cabinet’s plans for 2026. We are closely following the negotiations on Ukraine and are in contact with our European allies to ensure that Belarus’ […]
November 25, 2025
Visits to Poland, Estonia, and the United Kingdom, reopening of the Lithuania–Belarus border, releases of priests and Ukrainian citizens. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: November 17–23
VISIT TO KRAKÓW On November 17–18, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kraków, where she held meetings with Mayor Aleksander Miszalski, City Council Chairman Jakub Kosek, as well as the Belarusian diaspora and cultural initiatives. During talks with the city leadership, the key needs of Belarusians were discussed. Kraków also hosted the 10th Open Eyes Economy Summit, an […]
November 25, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the recent detentions at the Belarus border
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “News about yet another round of detentions at the border is a further reminder of how dangerous returning to Belarus remains. The regime continues to detain people, check their phones, draw up reports, and place them in temporary detention facilities. Some Belarusians, after such detentions, serve administrative arrest or face criminal charges. All […]
November 24, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today, we speak about violence in all its forms: physical, psychological, and political. About the women who faced domestic violence and were forced to seek protection where it often doesn’t exist. About those who endured humiliation and discrimination at work. About the women who lost their freedom for their civic stance and went […]
November 24, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna
In Tallinn, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, received Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the previous day, Minister Tsakhna had participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The parties discussed the outcomes of the ministerial meeting, as well as the US proposals for ending the war in […]
November 23, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Estonia’s Minister of the Interior Igor Taro
As part of her visit to Tallinn, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was received by Estonia’s Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro. The parties discussed the military and political situation in Belarus, issues faced by the Belarusian diaspora, and further bilateral cooperation. Around 3,000 Belarusians currently reside in Estonia, where dozens of diaspora groups and NGOs continue their […]
November 23, 2025
Pavel Tereshkovich’s comment on the state of science in Belarus
Today, dictator Lukashenka held a so-called “big conversation with scientists”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Pavel Tereshkovich, explains why the current state of Belarusian science is not the result of “a lack of output from researchers” but a consequence of many years of dictatorial policy. He recalls Belarus’ real place in international rankings, […]
November 23, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the conference “Authoritarianism and Resistance: Lessons from Belarus and Georgia” in Tallinn
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is on a working visit to Estonia, during which she opened the international conference “Authoritarianism and Resistance: Lessons from Belarus and Georgia”, organized by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Representation of Democratic Belarus in Tallinn, the East European School of Political Studies, and the Tbilisi School of Political Studies. In her […]
November 21, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Estonian President Alar Karis
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her working visit to Tallinn today, where she met with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis. The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, with President Karis expressing his solidarity with the Belarusian people. Key topics of the meeting included: the military and political situation in Belarus, the Lukashenka regime’s dependence on […]
November 21, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya received the 2025 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award
On November 19, a ceremony for the 2025 Freedom of Expression Awards, presented annually by Index on Censorship, took place in London. This award has become a symbol of solidarity with those who continue to fight for free speech and democratic change despite repression by authoritarian regimes. This year’s laureate of the Trustees Award is […]
November 21, 2025
“The Future of Belarus in a Peaceful Europe”: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a discussion in London
During her visit to London, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the public discussion “The Future of Belarus in a Peaceful Europe”, organized by the Center for European Reform (CER) and the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom. Also participating in the conversation were the Deputy Head of Foreign Policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Center, […]
November 21, 2025
Statement by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on the release of Belarusian priests and the need to end repression against the Church
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I warmly welcome the release of Belarusian priests Fr. Henrykh (Henadz) Akalatovich and Fr. Andrzej Yukhnevich. This is a truly important step that restores hope to their families, parishioners, and all those who prayed for their freedom. Their release is a reminder that solidarity, international attention, and action matter. I would like to […]
November 20, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group “For Freedom and Democracy in Belarus”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is on a working visit to London, where she met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group “For Freedom and Democracy in Belarus” in the UK Parliament. She held a briefing for the politicians and, in her opening remarks, thanked the group for its unwavering support, emphasizing that partner support remains crucial on the path […]
November 20, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with city leadership and the Belarusian diaspora in Kraków
On November 17–18, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kraków to participate in the Open Eyes Economy Summit, one of Europe’s largest forums dedicated to the value-based economy, where she delivered an opening speech. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also held meetings with the Mayor, Aleksander Miszalski, the Chairman of the City Council, Jakub Kosek, as well as representatives of the […]
November 19, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the reopening of the Lithuania–Belarus border crossings
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I welcome Lithuania’s decision to reopen border crossing points earlier than originally planned. Open borders expand the opportunities for Belarusians to move freely, maintain family ties, and remain connected to Europe. We continue working with the European Union to ensure that Belarusians can obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas and that our status is not […]
November 19, 2025
Visits to London and Lisbon, Ostrogski Forum. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: November 10–17
VISIT TO LONDON On November 12–13, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited London. She held meetings with representatives of the government and Parliament and took part in the panel discussion “The Fight for Freedom in Eastern Europe”. With the UK’s Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed continued bilateral consultations and the UK’s possible contribution […]
November 18, 2025
Finland issues first residence permit for a child based on an alien travel document
For the first time following changes to Finnish legislation, a child was granted a residence permit based on a foreign travel document. Previously, obtaining or renewing a residence permit without a valid Belarusian passport was impossible. Thanks to the efforts of the democratic forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, and the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Tallinn, […]
November 18, 2025
“Belarus can become a regional high-tech hub”: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Open Eyes Economy Summit
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is on a working visit to Kraków, where the 10th Open Eyes Economy Summit officially opened. It is an international forum dedicated to the concept of an economy grounded in democratic values. The congress aims to complement economic indicators with intangible principles like social inclusion, responsibility for the planet, and business transparency. In […]
November 18, 2025
Marharyta Vorykhava’s International Students’ Day address
On November 17, the world marks International Students’ Day. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, addresses Belarusian students: “I am proud of Belarusian students. You grew up in uncertainty and turned it into independence. You study, relocate, start businesses, learn new languages, change professions and countries – and still remain yourselves. […]
November 18, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulates Siarhei Dubavets on receiving the Jerzy Giedroyc Literary Award
The winner of the Jerzy Giedroyc Literary Award – one of the main independent prizes in Belarusian literature – was announced in Gdańsk. This year, the prize went to Siarhei Dubavets, the author of the book “Zanzibar. The Coming of Age of a Young Soul.” The writer’s new work is a moving exploration of a […]
November 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meetings in London: Government, Parliament, and partner organizations
On November 12–13, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya paid a working visit to London. She held governmental and parliamentary meetings and took part in the panel discussion “The Fight for Freedom in Eastern Europe”. With the Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed the progress and continuation of the bilateral consultations between the democratic forces […]
November 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the reopening of two crossings at the Poland–Belarus border
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I welcome Poland’s plans to reopen border crossings. We have always supported, and continue to support, open borders for passengers. This is important for Belarusians, for making it easier to see their families and maintain connections between people on both sides of the border. This step will support the people because these crossings […]
November 14, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski received the Magnitsky Award
On November 13, the Magnitsky Award ceremony took place in London. Since 2015, this award has been presented to journalists, politicians, and activists for their work in defending human rights. It is awarded annually in London at the initiative of Bill Browder and the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign. This year’s laureates are Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and […]
November 14, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the discussion “The Fight for Freedom in Eastern Europe” in the UK Parliament
During her visit to London, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in a panel discussion “The Fight for Freedom in Eastern Europe,” held in the Houses of Parliament. The participants included the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis; the Founder of Hermitage Capital and initiator of the Magnitsky Act, Sir William Browder; and the […]
November 13, 2025
Commemoration of Raman Bandarenka took place in Vilnius
On November 12, a commemoration event for Raman Bandarenka, who was killed by the regime five years ago, was held near the Embassy of Belarus in Vilnius. The event was organized by the Dapamoga NGO. Representing the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the event was attended by Advisor on Education and Science Pavel Tereshkovich, Advisor on […]
November 13, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had a call with John Coale and Christopher Smith
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I just had a productive call with the recently appointed US Special Envoy to Belarus, Mr. John Coale, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern Europe, Mr. Christopher W. Smith. I congratulated Mr. Coale on his appointment and expressed my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership in promoting peace […]
November 13, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to Portugal
During her visit to Portugal, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, the European Commission Vice President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, as well as with representatives of media and major tech companies. COUNCIL OF EUROPE At her meeting with Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty, the discussion […]
November 13, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on five years since Raman Bandarenka’s killing
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Five years ago, Raman Bandarenka was killed. A man who stepped into his own courtyard to defend what he loved. He wanted his yard to remain a place of kindness and peace. I remember November 12, 2020. It was hard to find the right words then. I didn’t know what to say… and […]
November 12, 2025
“Technology Without Borders”: Belarusian booth at Web Summit 2025
At Web Summit 2025, the booth from Belarusians Worldwide – “Technology Without Borders” – opened its doors. The booth’s mission is to unite Belarusian founders, engineers, investors, and creative professionals from across the globe to present the true image of the new Belarus – free, innovative, and united in solidarity. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “For the first […]
November 12, 2025