On April 23, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, which advises the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the government on foreign policy. The national leader of Belarus joined a discussion of experts on Belarus, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, as well as media representatives covering issues of the region.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke on the struggle of Belarusians, political prisoners, the situation with Russian troops in the country, and Lukashenka’s efforts to drag Belarusians into the war against Ukraine. A discussion followed on the possible developments in the region and ways for ally countries to help Belarusians overcome the tyranny.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the need to secure the withdrawal of Russian troops from Belarus, stop any funding of the Lukashenka regime, and support Belarusians affected by repression and persecution.
- Here is a passage from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address:
“It is extremely important to isolate Lukashenka in the international arena, deprive him of legitimacy and recognition. After he became Putin's accomplice in the war against Ukraine, I hope Western politicians have no more illusions. He must stand trial here, in The Hague, to share the blame for what happened in Ukraine. Unfortunately, we still hear voices suggesting dialogue with him. Don't let them fool you. Lukashenka will only use this as an opportunity to legitimize himself and stay in power. Instead, think of the kind of sanctions to block the regime from all sources of funding and close any remaining loopholes”.
