Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a lecture at the Kyiv School of Economics — one of Ukraine’s leading educational and analytical institutions. The lecture focused on regional security, Belarus–Ukraine relations in the context of Russia’s war, and the role of youth and civil society in democratic change.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the shared history of Belarusians and Ukrainians, mentioning the participation of Belarusians in the Revolution of Dignity and the defense of Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war. She highlighted Kastus Kalinouski Regiment volunteers, political prisoners, and railway partisans who opposed Russian aggression and the Lukashenka regime’s complicity in the war.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stressed that Russia is currently trying to cement its control over Belarus through military presence, nuclear weapons, and Russification, which is why a democratic Belarus must become part of the region’s future security architecture.
She also addressed the challenges faced by Belarusians living in Ukraine, noting that many are unable to renew their residence permits because their passports have expired.
At the end of the lecture, the leader expressed hope for deeper cooperation between Ukraine and the democratic forces of Belarus, including through the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Kyiv.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Only when Belarus is free from dictatorship, free from Russian control, and led by a democratic government elected in free elections — only then will Belarus become a guarantor of peace rather than a constant threat.
Today, when I was traveling by train, I received a Ukrainian Railways ticket. It said: ‘From Free Kyiv to Free Minsk.’ I believe this is exactly how it will be. Through Ukraine’s freedom, the path to a free Belarus will also open”.
A Q&A session in Belarusian and Ukrainian followed the lecture.
