September 09, 2025
Belarus’ security in focus at a side event in Prague ahead of the Zapad-2025 military exercises
Yesterday, on Belarusian Military Glory Day, a side event titled “Orsha’s Legacy: Response of Democratic Belarus to Zapad-2025” took place in Prague as part of the Czech Eastern Policy Conference 2025. The event brought together representatives of the Belarusian democratic community and Czech experts to discuss the stationing of Russian troops in Belarus, the rehearsal […]
September 08, 2025
Visit to Slovenia, meeting with Austria’s Foreign Minister, the Second Congress on Political Prisoners. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: September 1–7
VISIT TO SLOVENIA Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. On the sidelines of the event, she met with the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar; the Foreign Minister of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon; the EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib; the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Olexandr Mischenko; as well as […]
September 08, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on the death of political prisoner Andrei Padniabenny
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “A political prisoner, Andrei Padniabenny, has died behind bars. This is the ninth death of a political prisoner in custody that we know of. It is hard to find words to express all the pain, anger, and grief. Andrei was a loving son, a caring father, and a hardworking man – but the […]
September 08, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on the Day of Belarusian Military Glory
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “More than five hundred years ago, the Battle of Orsha took place – one of the key moments in the history of Belarusians, when our ancestors defended their land from the invaders of the Muscovite state. History repeats itself. Even centuries later, we yet again have to go through similar conflicts, defending the […]
September 08, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the OSCE Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus
On September 5, 2025, in Vienna, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed representatives of OSCE member states at the meeting of the Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus. The event brought together more than 30 representatives of participating states, including ambassadors and heads of delegations from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. The discussion lasted over […]
September 05, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to Vienna: Austrian MPs signed a joint statement calling for the release of Maryia Kalesnikava and all political prisoners
Representatives of four Austrian parliamentary parties – Petra Bayr (SPÖ), Andreas Minnich (ÖVP), Veit Dengler (NEOS), and Meri Disoski (GRÜNE) – signed a joint statement during a meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as part of her visit to Vienna. During the meeting, the parties also discussed: Ways to secure the release of political prisoners; Continued support […]
September 05, 2025
“We, Belarusians, have always stood on the European side – on the side of freedom, tolerance, law, and human rights”
On the first day of her visit to Austria, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the event “Role of Belarus in the European Security: From Involvement in the War and Hybrid Warfare to the Democratic Solutions”. More than 50 participants joined the discussion dedicated to strengthening security in the region. In her speech, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed […]
September 05, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the Bled Strategic Forum: Political prisoners, peace, European alternative for Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. It was also attended by the President of the European Council, António Costa; the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas; dozens of presidents, prime ministers, and ministers from different countries; as well as […]
September 04, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Vienna with Austria’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The discussion focused on the situation in Belarus, regional security, and support for Belarusian civil society. Release of political prisoners and international accountability Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that freeing political prisoners remains a top priority for the democratic forces, alongside documenting the regime’s crimes. Austria […]
September 04, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Austria’s Federal Minister for Europe Claudia Plakolm
At the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Austria’s Minister for Europe, Claudia Plakolm. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Austria for its principled stance within the bodies of the European Union. She noted that the recent releases of political prisoners were the result of joint efforts by the US and the EU. However, she stressed […]
September 03, 2025
Monthly recap: August 2025. Key events, new research, and notable achievements of Belarusian activists and NGOs
The Belarusian Association of Journalists launched the project “Without Us, You Wouldn’t Have Known…”, highlighting the facts, events, and problems in Belarus that would have remained invisible without independent media and journalists. The Belarusian Council for Culture published a strategy paper outlining its action plan until 2027, welcoming contributions from all who wish to be […]
September 02, 2025
Speech before EU foreign ministers, visit to Denmark, Second Congress on Political Prisoners. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: August 25–31
VISIT TO DENMARK On August 28–29, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Denmark to address the Gymnich meeting of EU foreign ministers, as well as representatives of the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland. In her speech, she stressed: The release of political prisoners is possible thanks to the joint efforts of the EU and the US; More than […]
September 02, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Bled Strategic Forum
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is in Slovenia, where she participated in a one-on-one discussion at the Bled Strategic Forum. She addressed topics ranging from the transition of power to Europe’s support for Belarus. On Belarusians “Belarusians are talented and hardworking people. Disciplined, capable, and freedom-loving. We have everything needed for Belarus to become a successful and prosperous […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Knowledge Day address
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addresses Belarusian parents and children on September 1, when the school year starts in Belarus. The start of the school year is always about the future – both personal and shared. It is the day when parents, children, and teachers look ahead with hope and expectation. In her address, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed EU foreign ministers during a Gymnich meeting in Copenhagen
On August 29, an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the Gymnich format took place in Copenhagen. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke to the heads of foreign ministries from all 27 EU member states, as well as the UK, Norway, and Iceland. The EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and the EU High Representative for Foreign […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Merezhko
In Copenhagen, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with Oleksandr Merezhko. On the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine, she expressed condolences over the deaths of civilians caused by Russian missile strikes. The parties discussed possible cooperation between the democratic forces of Belarus and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, including through the parliamentary group […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held talks with Kaja Kallas and Lars Løkke Rasmussen
In Copenhagen, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The discussions focused on key challenges facing Belarus and the wider region, including: Release of political prisoners. More than 1,300 people remain behind bars. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya […]
September 01, 2025
Supporting political prisoners and collecting evidence of the regime’s crimes: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with DIGNITY in Denmark
On August 29, during her visit to Copenhagen, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with representatives of DIGNITY, which plays a leading role in the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB). Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the IAPB for gathering evidence of Lukashenka’s crimes, emphasizing its importance for the future, when people are released and will need comprehensive support. She […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Danish Minister for Education and Science Christina Egelund
During her visit to Copenhagen, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Denmark’s Minister for Education and Science, Christina Egelund, to discuss possible cooperation in education and scientific research. Pavel Barkouski of the United Transitional Cabinet and Lizaveta Dubinka-Hushcha of the Belarusian diaspora in Denmark also joined the meeting. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Denmark for its support of the […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Legal Advisor Leanid Marozau took part in a pre-session of the 50th UN Human Rights Council meeting
An event took place in Geneva today ahead of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Belarus at the UN Human Rights Council. The meeting allowed member states to hear directly from the human rights community and gain a clearer picture of the human rights situation in Belarus. The pre-session featured presentations by Belarusian and international […]
September 01, 2025
Political prisoners, war in Ukraine, the regime’s crimes, and support for Belarus: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a Politiken event in Denmark
On August 28, during a visit to Denmark, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski spoke at an event focused on Belarus. The event was co-organized by Politiken. The audience of about 150 people included representatives of civil society, diplomats from various countries, journalists, activists, and others interested in the situation in Belarus. Key topics of the […]
September 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, during her visit to Copenhagen. Pavel Barkouski, Representative for National Revival at the United Transitional Cabinet, also joined the meeting. The discussion centered around Belarus’ European future and preparations for democratic change. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that changes in Belarus may precede those in Russia, […]
August 29, 2025
Second Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus #WithoutJustCause
As of August 27, 2025, according to human rights defenders, Belarus has 1,335 recognized political prisoners. The #WithoutJustCause Congress is a two-day gathering of NGOs, initiatives, political prisoners, human rights defenders, and activists. Two days, two cities, one goal — to come together on one platform, unite efforts, and coordinate work for the release and […]
August 26, 2025
Resumption of German humanitarian visa issuance, appeal to European leaders, responses to the regime’s actions. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: August 18–24
GERMANY RESUMED HUMANITARIAN VISA ISSUANCE FOR BELARUSIANS In July, Germany suspended the issuance of humanitarian visas. The democratic forces of Belarus and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya immediately responded and contacted German partners at all levels to advocate for resumed issuance. This week, it was announced that new applications are accepted. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on […]
August 25, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on the Day of Restoration of Belarus’ Independence
August 25 marks the Day of the Restoration of Belarus’ Independence. On this day in 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Belarus granted the Declaration of State Sovereignty, originally adopted on July 27, 1990, the force of constitutional law. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Belarusians dreamed of independence for centuries. Our ancestors rose up against oppression, defended their land […]
August 24, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on Ukraine’s Independence Day
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Honorable President Zelenskyy, dear Ukrainians, For the fourth year now, the Ukrainian people are marking Independence Day under the harsh conditions of a full-scale war. You are forced to pay the highest price for your independence. But you are defending not only your land. You are defending the right of all people to […]
August 23, 2025
Germany resumed humanitarian visa issuance for Belarusians
Germany has officially resumed issuing humanitarian visas for Belarusians after a reported suspension. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau: “We welcome Germany’s decision to resume issuing humanitarian visas for Belarusians. The democratic forces of Belarus and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office immediately responded when the processing of applications was suspended. We worked with our German […]
August 21, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s meeting with Iranian President
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today, Lukashenka met with the President of Iran. Propaganda presents this as ‘new horizons’ and ‘friendship of peoples’. Lukashenka openly declared that Belarus is ready to cooperate with Iran ‘on any issues’. But there is no clear understanding of the framework in which this cooperation will take place. The one thing that is […]
August 21, 2025
UN experts urged Belarus to end ill-treatment and torture of prisoners convicted of terrorism and extremism
UN experts have released a statement confirming that prisoners convicted of terrorism and extremism in Belarus are being held in conditions that endanger their health and lives – in complete isolation, without medical care, and with restricted contact with the outside world. These practices may amount to torture or inhuman treatment and violate the country’s […]