The Belarus–USA Strategic Dialogue started in Vilnius, bringing together representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces and American policymakers. The dialogue, first launched last year, serves as a platform to strengthen long-term relations with the United States government.
View the results of previous sessions of the Strategic Dialogue here and here.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was the keynote speaker on a panel addressing the democratic transition, the upcoming 2025 sham election, and ways to counter Russia’s influence and control over Belarus.
The leader called for refining the strategy for supporting Belarus:
“In policy toward Belarus, consistency must be key. This is precisely what we expect from the United States and all democratic allies.
I urge you to follow a four-component strategy for Belarus:
- Pressure on Lukashenka and his regime. This includes economic sanctions that have no loopholes, sanctions against Russia, and secondary sanctions. Pressure is the key to freeing political prisoners and weakening the regime.
- Support for people, civil society, media, human rights defenders, the repressed, and our democratic institutions.
- Accountability. Holding perpetrators responsible and documenting their crimes can also help fracture the elites and nomenklatura.
- Commitments to show Belarusians an alternative future, proving that they have hope and will receive support during the transition period”.
