Visit to Kosovo, roundtable discussion in Czechia, vote in the Lithuanian Seimas. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, April 14–20
EASTER GREETINGS Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya wished a Happy Easter to all Belarusians: “Easter is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Let this day serve as a reminder: The future belongs to those who preserve their humanity. To those who reject falsehood and continue to change the world through love and support”. CHORNOBYL WAY […]
April 23, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Earth Day address
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “It may seem that during economic crises, war, and repression, there’s no time to think about the environment. But it is precisely in such times that we must treat nature with special care and think about the world we will leave to our children. In a country where the regime pays no attention […]
April 23, 2025
Condolences on behalf of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on the passing of Pope Francis
“I received the news of the passing of Pope Francis with deep sorrow. His pontificate was a true example of service to humanity — marked by concern for people and unwavering struggle for dignity, freedom, and justice. He always stood beside those who were humiliated and persecuted. His voice resounded in defense of nations suffering […]
April 22, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya wishes a Happy Easter to all Belarusians
“Easter is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It reminds us of those who kept faith and hope alive, even through the darkest times. Even when it seemed that evil was winning, fear, lies, and violence could not defeat humanity and truth. Let this day serve as a reminder: the future belongs […]
April 21, 2025
Daniil Garkavy leaves the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Daniil Garkavy, head of the external relations department, has decided to conclude his work with the Office. The department will continue its work in key areas, including engagement with civil society organizations and the diaspora, organizing and analyzing feedback, as well as the volunteer program. We thank Daniil Garkavy for his professionalism, dedication, and contribution […]
April 20, 2025
Belarusian democratic forces in Pristina: cooperation with the Republic of Kosovo
Over the past two days, a delegation of Belarusian democratic forces visited Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, at the invitation of the Office of the President of Kosovo. Representing Belarus were Franak Viacorka, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor; Dzianis Kuchynski, Diplomatic Advisor; and Anatoli Liabedzka, Interparliamentary Cooperation Advisor. They were joined by Pavel Liber, founder of […]
April 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on The World Day of Culture
“Culture is the soul of every nation. It’s not made of textbooks or school field trips to museums. It is shaped by the wisdom and lessons of our ancestors, by children’s fairy tales and myths. By the history of a people passed down through songs and traditional dress. Culture helps us hold on to ourselves […]
April 16, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya awards the Francysk Skaryna Medal to distinguished musician and composer Lavon Volski
The Francysk Skaryna Medal is awarded for contributions to the development of Belarusian science, education, and culture. In the case of Lavon Volski, it is a recognition of his decades-long work, through which his music has become an integral part of Belarus’s musical life. The Belarusian leader thanked the musician for his influence on shaping […]
April 16, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the founder of Blue/Yellow
The Belarusian leader, together with the United Transitional Cabinet’s Representative for Defense and National Security, Vadzim Kabanchuk, met in Vilnius with Jonas Oehman, the head of the Blue/Yellow organization. Blue/Yellow is a Lithuanian charity organization that has been supporting Ukrainian military forces since 2014, providing them with equipment and humanitarian aid. Over the course of […]
April 16, 2025
Belarus’ Future is European: Round Table with Belarusian Democratic Forces and Czech Partners took place in Prague
On April 11, 2025, a round table titled “Belarus’ Future is European. Choosing Values over Fear” was held in Prague at CEVRO University. The event gathered Belarusian representatives of democratic forces, Czech politicians and academicians, diplomats, security experts, and analysts. This discussion was organized by the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in Czech Republic, led by its […]
April 15, 2025
Conference of Belarusians of the World, a statement on the anniversary of the Minsk metro terrorist attack, and a conference in Prague. Summary of the Work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, April 7–13
CONFERENCE OF BELARUSIANS OF THE WORLD From May 23–25, Warsaw will host the 4th Conference of Belarusians of the World. The event will bring together diaspora representatives to discuss support for political prisoners, coordination of joint efforts, and cultural and educational initiatives. To make the conference program as relevant as possible to participants’ expectations and […]
April 14, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attack at Kastrychnitskaya metro station in Minsk
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “April 11, 2011. A date that echoes with fear and pain in the hearts of every Belarusian. Fourteen years ago, an explosion rocked one of the busiest metro stations in Minsk during rush hour. Fifteen people were killed, hundreds were injured, many of them seriously. We never learned the truth about what really […]
April 14, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the expanded list of “extremist formations” in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Just recently, the regime in Belarus expanded the list of so-called “extremist formations”. The list, which already includes 274 news outlets, youth organizations, and volunteer initiatives, now also features the investigative journalism project BuroMedia and the initiative supporting politically imprisoned women, Politvyazynka. The regime is trying to yet again prove that it can […]
April 11, 2025
“This is a blow to freedom of education, creativity, and self-expression”. Tatiana Shchyttsova’s comment on the draft decree regulating private tutoring in Belarus
A draft decree has been prepared in Belarus to regulate the work of private tutors. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, notes that the document reflects a clear attempt at state control and distrust toward those working in education outside the government-controlled system. The decree would require tutors to use only Belarusian […]
April 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s World Health Day address
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The healthcare system in Belarus is more detached from reality than ever. The regime’s pressure has led to professional standards and patient well-being no longer being the priorities. Ideological principles now come first. Everything ‘foreign’ – except Russian and Chinese – is portrayed as hostile. Independent research, international experience, and objective assessments are […]
April 07, 2025
Visit to Münster, Poland’s resolution on Belarus, meeting with Belarusian NGOs. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: March 31 – April 6
VISIT TO MÜNSTER Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Germany, where she took part in the Westphalian Peace Conference in Münster. She delivered a speech, urging the international community to keep Belarus on the agenda and continue supporting the democratic movement. She emphasized cooperation with the new German government as a key partner in defending the interests of […]
April 07, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Speech at the Westphalian Peace Conference
Dear Mr. President Steinmeier, Dear Dr. Zinkann, Dear participants, and friends, It is an honor to stand here in the city of Münster. A city that, centuries ago, marked the end of a devastating war. A city that stands as a symbol of peace. But today, peace is under attack. Freedom is under siege. The […]
April 05, 2025
“Democracies won the Cold War through courage, consistency, and soft power”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Germany, where she took part in the Westphalian Peace Conference in Münster. The event was attended by numerous German politicians, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech, urging Western partners to remain united against dictatorship, emphasizing the link between democracy and security, highlighting the ongoing repression in Belarus, and […]
April 04, 2025
Interministerial Group on Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the Three Seas Summit. Highlights of diplomatic meetings in Poland
On April 2, the democratic forces of Belarus held a series of meetings in the offices of the Polish Prime Minister and President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Polish Parliament, and with the diplomatic community. They discussed aid for independent media, support for the Belarusian diaspora in Poland, and regional security issues. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s […]
April 04, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Belarusian NGOs in Lithuania
During the meeting at her Office in Vilnius, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya listened to representatives of more than 35 NGOs and initiatives currently based in Lithuania. The meeting focused on cooperation between NGOs and the democratic forces, as well as joint events and campaigns. The parties discussed the issues affecting Belarusians in Lithuania, including: Legalization of stay […]
April 02, 2025
“No union is worth losing ourselves”
On April 2, the regime in Belarus celebrates the so-called Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “For years, we have heard about new agreements between Russia and Belarus under the so-called Union State Treaty. Just in the past six months, we’ve seen compulsory job assignments of Belarusian graduates to […]
April 02, 2025
Leanid Marozau: “The regime fears solidarity and self-organization like fire”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, comments on the new trial against Andrei Stryzhak scheduled to take place “in absentia” on April 18: “The regime has announced that on April 18, the court in Homiel will begin the trial of Andrei Stryzhak, Yaraslau Likhacheuski, Aleh Kuzmiankou, Aliaksandr Lapko, Aliaksandra Zhuk, and Aliaksandr Padhorny, […]
April 01, 2025
Monthly recap: March 2025. Key events, new research, and notable achievements of Belarusian activists and NGOs
The Legal Initiative compiled a structured collection of resources that can substantiate the dangers of staying in Belarus when applying for international protection, asylum, or political refuge in other countries. Belarusian Students’ Association prepared its annual report on the state of Belarusian academia in 2024. The Belarusian Council for Culture created a database of international […]
April 01, 2025
Freedom Day: Celebrations worldwide
On March 25, Belarusians around the world celebrated 107 years since the proclamation of the Belarusian Democratic Republic (BNR). Events, rallies, and gatherings took place in various countries to unite Belarusians, honor the legacy of the BNR, and show solidarity. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has compiled a list of the most prominent events. 22-23.03.25: Prague: Commemoration of […]
March 31, 2025
Freedom Day, Office of Belarus’ Democratic Forces in Tallinn, discussion at the Lithuanian Seimas. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: March 24–30
FREEDOM DAY March 25 marked Freedom Day, Belarus’ key independence holiday. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians with a message, while rallies and events took place around the world, including in Prague, Białystok, Warsaw, Salzburg, Vienna, Brussels, Edmonton, Toronto, Limassol, Tallinn, Paris, Cologne, Munich, Batumi, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Riga, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Vilnius, The Hague, Gdańsk, Kraków, Poznań, […]
March 31, 2025
Anatoli Liabedzka: “Work is underway on a bill that will radically change the status of Belarusian volunteers and veterans in Ukraine”
Work is underway in Ukraine on a bill aimed at addressing key issues for Belarusian volunteers – from citizenship to financial support. In the video below, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Constitutional Reform and Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, shares the outcomes of a roundtable discussion organized in partnership with the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council. The […]
March 31, 2025
Human rights defenders submitted evidence of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes against humanity to the International Criminal Court
It was announced today that a group of Belarusian human rights organizations has compiled and submitted evidence of crimes against humanity committed by the regime in Belarus to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, explains how this can help Belarusians: “Submitting this report to the Office of the […]
March 27, 2025
Tatiana Shchyttsova’s comment on the mass closure of university programs in Belarus
According to a statement from Belarus’ Minister of Education, in just the past two years, 57 university programs have been discontinued, and starting from the new academic year, universities will have to shut all programs that are outside their focus field. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, comments on these developments. The […]
March 27, 2025
Freedom Day: Statements of solidarity with Belarusians from international politicians and diplomats
Freedom Day, beyond its historical significance, has become a symbol of international solidarity with Belarusians who continue their struggle for a democratic Belarus. On March 25, words of support were voiced for those who persist in their fight, remain unbroken in prisons, live in exile, or continue their resistance inside the country. Politicians, diplomats, democratic […]
March 27, 2025