ESCALATION AT THE BELARUSIAN-UKRAINIAN BORDER
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya condemned the regime’s attempts to escalate the situation at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border and the dictator’s statements about the concentration of Belarusian troops in border areas. On September 5, two Russian kamikaze drones, known as “Shahed,” were shot down in Belarus. This is not the first incident; in recent months, Shahed drones have regularly crossed Belarusian airspace. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented: “I demand that Russia stop violating our borders and call on Belarus’s military leadership to end cooperation with Russian forces, doing everything to protect our land and our people.”
PLANS FOR 2025
The United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the Coordination Council, and Belarusian NGOs continue meetings and consultations on the so-called 2025 elections, which could take place in February 2025. The common position is that these “elections” cannot be recognized as free and fair. Democratic forces will develop a unified stance and conduct a joint campaign.
MEETINGS WITH BELARUSIAN REFUGEES AND FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the “Castle” shelter of the Belarusian organization “Dapamoga” in Vilnius, where she met with Belarusian political refugees in Lithuania. The discussions focused on the issues of legalization for Belarusians in Lithuania, as well as joint actions. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also met with former Belarusian political prisoners. The meeting discussed support programs for political prisoners, efforts for their release, and plans for the democratic forces.
PARDONING OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
On September 4, the release of another 30 political prisoners from Belarusian prisons was announced, most of whom are parents of underage children. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the release and called for continuing the fight for the freedom of all others. Earlier, in August, 30 political prisoners with severe health problems were released. As of August 31, 1,376 political prisoners are held in detention, including 177 women and at least 15 people with disabilities.
MARYIA KALESNIKAVA AND PALINA SHARENDA-PANASIUK
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for the continued fight for the release of political prisoners Maryia Kalesnikava and Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk. On September 4, it was reported that Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk’s condition had worsened, with no medical help provided, and she was being held in appalling conditions. Days earlier, reports of torture against Maryia Kalesnikava emerged, where she was said to have lost weight to 45 kilograms at a height of 175 cm due to mistreatment.
RELEASE OF A BELARUSIAN WOMAN IN ARMENIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s office thanked the Armenian leadership for assisting in the release of Belarusian Diana Maiseienka, who had been detained at the request of the Lukashenko regime on September 2 while crossing the Georgia-Armenia border. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s office contacted Armenian representatives, and after some time, Diana Maiseienka was released, and restrictions on her movement were lifted.
ATTACKS ON BELARUSIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN LITHUANIA
Last week, several attacks occurred on Belarusian organizations and institutions in Lithuania. The windows of a Belarusian Orthodox church and a Belarusian museum were shot at. The office stated: “These actions are clearly aimed at sowing discord between Belarusians and Lithuanians. We are convinced that the Lukashenko regime is behind this, constantly trying to create an atmosphere of fear and hatred in Belarusian society and neighboring countries.”
MILITARY GLORY DAY
September 8 marks Belarusian Military Glory Day, in honor of the Battle of Orsha in 1514. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said: “I believe the spirit of our ancestors lives in each of us. And today, each of us can contribute to this struggle—by raising children, learning the language, and helping the military in Ukraine. Remember, as it was 500 years ago, truth and justice are on our side.”
MAKSIM ZNAK’S BIRTHDAY
Maksim Znak spent his fourth birthday behind bars. On his birthday, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said: “Maksim has always amazed me with his ability to combine gentleness and soulfulness with unbending character and inner strength. He can listen and empathize while remaining firm and principled. During our work together, I heard unwavering conviction and deep confidence in the rightness of our chosen path in his words.”
SUPPORT FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS
This week, the Office’s team launched a new page on the website with ways to help political prisoners and their families. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said: “Even the smallest support means a lot, so write letters to political prisoners, send packages, and make donations if it’s safe for you. Your help is their hope to return home.”
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BELARUSIANS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
The Office of Democratic Forces of Belarus in the Czech Republic compiled a list of scholarships allowing Belarusians to study in the Czech Republic for free. Previously, the Office’s team prepared a list of educational opportunities worldwide.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to Dmitry Gordon’s channel (Ukraine), PAP (Poland), Dialogue (Ukraine), EuroZprávy (Czech Republic), Avisen Danmark (Denmark).
