“Our presence here today demonstrates that solidarity and mutual support remain our most powerful tools”
A solidarity event took place in Vilnius in support of Vasil Verameichyk, who was extradited this month to the Lukashenka regime by Vietnamese authorities despite having protested in Belarus in 2020 and defended Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022. The event featured a speech by Daniil Garkavy of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office. In his address, […]
November 27, 2024
Belarus’ democratic forces and Canadian government launched strategic consultations in Ottawa
The first session of strategic consultations between the government of Canada and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Ottawa, resembling the Strategic Dialogue previously established with the United States. The decision to hold these consultations was made during Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meeting with the Foreign Minister of Canada, Mélanie Joly. The consultations will aim […]
November 27, 2024
Response to Vasil Verameichyk’s extradition to Belarus, visits to Estonia, Austria and Canada, 1000 days of war in Ukraine. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 18-24
RESPONSE TO THE EXTRADITION OF EX-WARRIOR TO BELARUS Belarusian citizen Vasil Verameichyk, who previously fought against Russian aggression in Ukraine as part of the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, was extradited this week from Vietnam to Belarus. Vasil moved to Ukraine after participating in the 2020 protests in Belarus and became the Deputy Commander of the Volat […]
November 26, 2024
Aid to independent media, contributions to Humanitarian Fund, support in International Criminal Court: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Canada’s Foreign Minister
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her official visit to Canada by meeting with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, during the Halifax International Security Forum. The parties addressed the following issues: Support for independent media. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Canada for increased funding for independent Belarusian media, which now totals $1 million. The program is expected […]
November 23, 2024
Special envoys for Belarus – who are they and what do they do?
International partners play a crucial role in supporting the democratic forces of Belarus. Democratic countries have refrained from appointing ambassadors to Minsk due to the Lukashenka regime’s illegitimacy. At the same time, some of them have appointed special envoys or ambassadors-at-large to maintain engagement with the democratic forces’ institutions. How do countries work with Belarus’ […]
November 23, 2024
Statement by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office on Vasil Verameichyk’s extradition from Vietnam
Vasil Verameichyk, a citizen of Belarus who formerly fought in the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, has been extradited from Vietnam. Mr. Verameichyk participated in the 2020 protests in Belarus, after which he moved to Ukraine, where he served as the Deputy Commander of the Volat Battalion. In 2024, having completed his service, he was elected to […]
November 21, 2024
“For lasting peace in Europe, we must liberate Belarus not only from dictatorship but also from Russia’s clutches”
During her visit to Vienna, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended an event hosted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which brought together ambassadors and diplomats representing OSCE member states, as well as members of parliamentary groups “For a Democratic Belarus”. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya addressed key issues concerning Belarus that the OSCE should keep on its […]
November 20, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya proposed 5 steps to support democratic Belarus at Eastern Partnership’s Civil Society Summit in Vienna
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her working visit to Austria by participating in the Civil Society Summit within the framework of Eastern Partnership. The event brought together civil society representatives, politicians, activists, and senior officials from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized: “What any dictatorship fears the most is the self-organization and unity of […]
November 20, 2024
“Without democracy, there is no real security. Belarus is a living example of what happens when democracy is lost”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the Belgrade Security Conference, an inclusive platform for discussing pressing security, politics, and international relations issues. The forum aims to develop practical recommendations through analytical discussions. Here are the highlights from Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s speech: On security and democracy: “Without democracy, there is no real security. Belarus is a living example of […]
November 20, 2024
Support for political prisoners in Belarus, scholarships for students, guidance for migration authorities on Belarusians’ cases: Summary of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to Estonia
During her visit to Estonia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, Minister of Culture, Heidy Purga, and Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets. With the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed the following issues: Legalization of stay issues faced by […]
November 20, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on 1,000 days of full-scale war in Ukraine
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “1,000 days have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The number alone is terrifying. 1,000 days of inhumane, brutal war. 1,000 days of destruction and horrific deaths. 1,000 days of pain, fear, and anger. We all hope that peace will soon come to Ukraine – instead of news about 200 missiles […]
November 19, 2024
Maryia Kalesnikava’s meeting with her father, preparations for 2025 sham election, Ostrozhsky Forum in Kyiv. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 11-17, 2024
MARYIA KALESNIKAVA’S MEETING WITH HER FATHER On November 12, Maryia Kalesnikava met her father in the prison hospital. It was not reported whether Ms. Kalesnikava is currently being treated or whether she was brought for the meeting from a punishment ward, where she is most likely being held. The last time Maryia and her father […]
November 19, 2024
“Lukashenka regime seeks to erase our identity and turn young Belarusians into obedient followers of the imperial narrative”
During her working visit to Estonia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the seminar “Is studying history dangerous? The case of Belarus”. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of preserving Belarusian history and highlighted its role in shaping the country’s future. The leader emphasized that both Russia and the Lukashenka regime are systematically trying to erase Belarusian […]
November 19, 2024
“Dictators can’t be appeased. They can’t be reeducated. They can only be fought”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech at the University of Tartu in Estonia: «If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be standing at this stage, at one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe, speaking as a representative of democratic Belarus, I would have laughed and said, “You’ve got the wrong person […]
November 18, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at Johan Skytte Institute in Estonia
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her working visit to Estonia by giving a public lecture titled “Belarus after 2020: Dictatorship vs. European Future” at the Johan Skytte Institute. She emphasized that even during challenging times, Belarusians preserve their moral sovereignty and continue to fight for their identity and European future. “Today, Belarus is under creeping occupation again, […]
November 18, 2024
“New generation wants Belarus to be a free country, independent from Russia”
In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya shared her perspective on why Belarus failed to reconnect with Europe after the Soviet Union’s collapse and why Belarusians need to address past mistakes while maintaining the momentum for change. Why didn’t Belarus become a European country after the USSR’s collapse? “Belarus had the chance to become a […]
November 18, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Scholarship at MCI Innsbruck: Review from a recipient
Last year, MCI Management Center Innsbruck, Austria, launched a scholarship program for Belarusians under Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s patronage, allowing Belarusian students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in over 10 majors. Read more about the scholarship here. One of the first recipients of the scholarship, media manager Aliaksandra Pushkina, shared her impressions of her first […]
November 14, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on anniversary of Raman Bandarenka’s death
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Raman Bandarenka died four years ago – and I clearly remember that day. The horror and outrage over this tragedy resonated in the hearts of every Belarusian. Raman’s murder is not a sorrow borne by one family; it is a shared pain that we all carry within us. What happened that night, sadly, […]
November 12, 2024
Belarus and Council of Europe, fall of the Berlin Wall, release of political prisoners, commemoration of Raman Bandarenka. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 4-10
VISIT TO STRASBOURG Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Strasbourg this week. During the working trip, the Belarusian leader met with the leadership of the Council of Europe and took part in the World Forum for Democracy. As a result of the visit, the Council of Europe will establish the Information Office for Belarus in Vilnius, as well […]
November 11, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a memorial event for Raman Bondarenka and all victims of state violence in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined a solidarity rally in Vilnius, held in memory of Raman Bandarenka and all those who have been killed by the Lukashenka regime. The Belarusian leader delivered a speech, honoring the regime’s victims and thanking all Belarusians who continue the struggle: “I’m going out”, were Raman Bandarenka’s last words. He went out to […]
November 11, 2024
“The Berlin Wall fell thanks to the courage of ordinary people. Walls of oppression in Belarus will fall in the same way”
As Germany celebrated the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined politicians, activists, and civil society figures to honor this momentous event, highlighting the importance of the fight for freedom and democracy. The Berlin Wall, which once divided not only a city but also the lives of thousands, has become […]
November 09, 2024
“Fighting tyranny is about…” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at Future of Democracy Forum
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the Future of Democracy Forum in Vilnius, organized by Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event brought together politicians, diplomats, and MPs from around the world, including Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Head of the Community of Democracies, Mantas Adomėnas, Armenia’s National Security Council Secretary, Armen Grigoryan, EU Special Representative for Human […]
November 08, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg
During her working visit to Strasbourg, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the World Forum for Democracy – an annual gathering of politicians, scholars, activists, youth representatives, and democracy innovators at the Council of Europe HQ. This forum is more than a platform for discussion as it encourages the European community to take practical action. This year, it […]
November 07, 2024
Belarus Day in Strasbourg: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Council of Europe leadership
During her working visit to Strasbourg, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Rousopoulos. The Belarusian leader also spoke at the World Forum for Democracy. The discussions covered: ways to secure the release of […]
November 07, 2024
“We have contacts with Donald Trump’s circle and the Republican Party”
The US presidential election has concluded, with Republican candidate Donald Trump headed confidently toward victory. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has congratulated him: “Congratulations on your resounding victory in the US presidential election. I look forward to continuing and enhancing our cooperation with the US to bring freedom to Belarus. The US will always be a key ally […]
November 06, 2024
Visit to Iceland, Andrei Hniot’s release, mass arrests in Belarus. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for October 28 to November 3, 2024
VISIT TO ICELAND Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Iceland, speaking at the 76th session of the Nordic Council and meeting with the prime ministers, parliament speakers, and foreign ministers of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. She called for leadership in supporting Belarus. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also met with the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, and MPs from […]
November 04, 2024
“Dziady is a day that unites Belarusians in shared memory and spirit”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today is a day that brings Belarusians together in shared memory and spirit. A day when we set aside the bustle and noise to honor the people who left a mark on our lives. A day to remember our ancestors and loved ones who will forever remain part of our soul and traditions. […]
November 02, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on mass detentions in Belarus
“Yesterday, another wave of searches and arrests swept across Belarus. The regime even conducted a raid in a town of just two thousand, detaining 14 innocent people. From this one instance, we can only imagine the scale of detentions across the country… People’s phones are being inspected in attempts to find if they have photos […]
November 01, 2024
Andrei Hniot is free! Summary of the campaign for his release
Andrei Hniot safely left Serbia after spending more than a year under arrest. The Belarusian activist, who co-founded the SOS BY Free Association of Belarus Sportspeople, was detained on October 30, 2023, in Belgrade. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomes Andrei Hniot’s release and thanks everyone who fought for his freedom over the past year: “This is truly […]
October 31, 2024