MEETING WITH ALENA MAUSHUK
On February 27, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Alena Maushuk at her office in Vilnius.
Alena, a mother of five, was arrested in 2020 along with her husband during a protest rally and later sentenced to six years in prison, losing her parental rights. She spent four and a half years behind bars, where she was deprived of visits and packages from her family and subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Thanks to the joint efforts of President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the US State Department, Alena was released a few weeks ago along with journalist Andrei Kuznechyk and a US citizen.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls on all friends of Belarusians to show solidarity on Belarus Freedom Day, March 25. This day marks the proclamation of independence by the Belarusian Democratic Republic – a pivotal moment in our history.
For our nation, it has become a symbol of our ongoing struggle for freedom, independence, and democracy. As we continue this fight in 2025 – standing for peace in Belarus and Ukraine and against tyranny – we ask you to stand with us.
Solidarity can take many forms, from advocating for political prisoners to supporting exiled independent media and human rights defenders. Every action matters.
MEETING AT THE LITHUANIAN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova; Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava; and several representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet met with the Head of the Department of Education, Jolanta Navickaitė; Director of the International Cooperation Group, Jurga Strumskienė; and other specialists from the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports.
The parties discussed:
- adoption of Lithuania’s new Minority Law and its impact on schools for national minorities;
- teacher training for educators working with Belarusian children;
- integration opportunities for Belarusian youth into the Lithuanian education system, including language courses;
- possible joint projects.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE FULL-SCALE WAR
February 24 marked three years since Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians: “Russia has deeply entrenched itself in our country and made Belarus an accomplice in this war. But Belarusians do not want such a “partner” — neither as a “big brother”, nor as a creditor, nor as a political ally. We, Belarusians, are a self-sufficient nation. We stand against war and want to raise children who value peace and freedom and do not isolate themselves with barbed wire”.
MEETING WITH SVETLANA ALEXIEVICH
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with Svetlana Alexievich, the first Belarusian writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. In a warm and heartfelt conversation, they discussed the plight of political prisoners in Belarus, highlighting the importance of solidarity and women’s leadership. They also stressed that Ukraine’s victory is crucial for Belarus and explored ways Belarusians can support Ukrainians in their struggle.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya presented Ms. Alexievich with the Cross of Revival, an award recognizing dedication to the interests of the Belarusian people and significant contributions to Belarusian culture.
RESPONSE TO THE REGIME’S PARTICIPATION IN THE UNHRC MEETING
Belarus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its participation in the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. In Geneva, Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov intends to discuss, among other topics, “current approaches” to the Council’s activities, as well as Belarus’ stance on regional and global security issues.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office reiterates the following:
- Belarus systematically violates human rights;
- The Independent UN Experts Group has confirmed the worsening of political repression;
- The Lukashenka regime fully supports Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau: “On the day the world marks the anniversary of the war Russia launched against Ukraine – and when the Belarusian regime became a co-aggressor in this crime – its representative, Mr. Ryzhenkov, is heading to the UN Human Rights Council to talk about human rights. This attempt to use an international platform to justify international crimes and legitimize repression is unacceptable. The UN Human Rights Council must be a place for protecting victims, not a tool of dictatorship”.
WORLD NGO DAY
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on World NGO Day, which was celebrated on February 27: “Civil society has always been the heart of Belarus. It is made up of volunteers who help those in need by supporting pensioners and people with disabilities, providing educational opportunities for children and youth, defending human rights, and fostering culture and education. But piece by piece, the regime has been destroying this heart. Over the past 4.5 years, more than 1,800 NGOs have been shut down. Thousands of Belarusians have been deprived of the vital support that these initiatives once provided”.
PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS WITH SVIATLANA TSIKHANOUSKAYA
On February 28, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, held personal meetings with Belarusians. During the discussions, they addressed legal issues as well as challenges faced by the lawyers of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office.
BELARUS’ ECONOMIC PROSPECTS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Economic Reforms, Aleś Alachnovič, shared an exclusive video. He analyzed Belarus’ economic future, emphasizing that if the Lukashenka regime remains in power, political and economic instability, repression against businesses, and dependence on Russia will keep pushing Belarusians’ living standards downward.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by Voice of America (the USA), Nova TV (Bulgaria), Al Arabiya English (International), and Belsat (Belarus).
