Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We must not allow new Iron Curtain between Belarus and Europe – that’s what dictators want”
The Belarusian leader spoke at a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. She congratulated Lithuania on assuming the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and called for granting democratic Belarus an observer status in the Committee of Ministers. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Allow me to congratulate Lithuania on […]
May 27, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for solidarity with Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and advocacy for her release
While launching the second day of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, who was recently denied release after serving her full sentence. “Yesterday, fearless Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, who fully completed her 4-year illegal sentence, was not released as she should have been. In prison, she was tortured and ill-treated. I […]
May 24, 2024
#WithoutJustCause Congress on Political Prisoners in Prague
From May 23 to 25, Prague is hosting the #WithoutJustCause Congress on Political Prisoners. The event features representatives from leading Belarusian human rights organizations and humanitarian initiatives, legal experts, Belarusian and international politicians and diplomats, as well as former political prisoners and their families. The event is organized by the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces […]
May 24, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I hope for a miracle that would let my children hug their father”
The Belarusian leader delivered a personal and touching speech at the Prague Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “When my daughter heard that on May 21, Belarusians observe Political Prisoner Day, she asked: ‘Is this daddy’s day too?’ I replied: ‘Yes, your daddy is a hero. This is his day. This is the […]
May 23, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya informed foreign diplomats and politicians about aid needed for Belarus
On the sidelines of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus, a non-public panel discussion took place, involving diplomats, officials, and politicians from EU countries and the USA. The discussion was organized by International IDEA and the Lithuanian Embassy in Sweden, headed by former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lithuanian Ambassador to Belarus, Linas Linkevičius. “Sanctions alone […]
May 23, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held several meetings on sidelines of Stockholm Conference on Belarus held on May 21-22
With former Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Linas Linkevičius, the Belarusian leader discussed the situation of political prisoners in Belarus and regional security. She also expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s decision not to impose additional restrictions on Belarusians. With Magdalena Andersson, who is the current leader of the opposition, First Secretary of the Swedish Social Democratic Workers’ Party, […]
May 23, 2024
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Tobias Billström for organizing the Stockholm Conference on Belarus. “The level of organization and such high-level participants prove that Belarus remains on the agenda of Sweden and Europe. Many practical strategic ideas were mentioned, and now we have to implement them together”. The conference was held in Chatham format, without media and […]
May 23, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Each act of creativity is a blow against oppression, a step towards freedom”
On May 21, as part of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the event “My Future, an Empty Seat” dedicated to contemporary Belarusian culture and featuring special guests, including writer Eva Vezhnavets, poet Valzhyna Mort, and musician Sveta Ben. The event was also attended by the Swedish Minister of Culture, Parisa Liljestrand, […]
May 22, 2024
“When you feel support and solidarity, it gives you strength to fight.” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusian diaspora in Stockholm
On May 21, during her visit to Stockholm, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Belarusian diaspora in Sweden. Before her conversation with the participants and the rally of solidarity with political prisoners, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech: «Dear Belarusians of Sweden, dear friends, Today we mark the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners. The very phrase […]
May 22, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “But even in the darkest times, we found the strength to fight — we survived and revived.”
On May 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the Stockholm Conference on Belarus: “Dear Minister Johan Forsell, Dear Director Frederik Löjdquist Dear Ambassador Johannesson Dear participants of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus Мае дарагія беларускія сябры! I remember our meeting with Minister Billström when we discussed the idea of this conference for the first […]
May 22, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “To reach the end, we need patience, endurance, and consistency”
On May 22, during the Stockholm Conference on Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the panel discussion “Empowering Belarusian Democracy Advocates”: «Dear Ambassador Linkievicius, Dear Ambassador Johannesson Dear director Van der Staak Dear Excellencies and Friends, Let me start with words of gratitude to our esteemed organizers, International IDEA, and the Embassy of the Republic of […]
May 22, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Belarusian national identity, culture, and language are our strongest weapon against Russian World”
On May 22, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the opening of the second day of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus: «Thank you, Director Fredrik Löjdquist! And good morning, dear Conference! First of all, congratulations to the organizers and participants on the first day of the Conference. It was insightful and inspiring. I am thankful to all […]
May 22, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Tobias Billström: Sweden does not forget Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Tobias Billström wrote a joint op-ed: The outside world must not forget the people who are fighting for a free, democratic and independent Belarus. Therefore, today, on the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, a two-day conference begins in Stockholm, writes Foreign Minister Tobias Billström and Belarusian opposition leader […]
May 22, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “It hurts me to think that someday my daughter might forget Siarhei’s voice or what he looks like”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Belarusian diaspora in Sweden. Before holding a conversation with Belarusians and participating in a rally of solidarity with political prisoners, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered an emotional speech. She shared her pain and called for continued efforts to free political prisoners. Here are the key quotes from Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s speech at the […]
May 21, 2024
Sweden announced five million kronor contribution to support political prisoners in Belarus
During the conference in Stockholm dedicated to the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, the Minister of Sweden for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, announced that the country is allocating five million Swedish kronor (over 400,000 euros) to the international humanitarian fund for victims of repressions in Belarus established recently […]
May 21, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Speaker of Swedish Parliament and members of OSCE PA and PACE delegations
The Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag, Andreas Norlén, welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the parliament building. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also held a briefing for the Swedish delegations to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). The Speaker of the Riksdag is the second highest-ranking official in the country […]
May 20, 2024
Support for civil society and visas for Belarusians: What Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed with key Swedish politicians
The Belarusian leader began her working visit to Stockholm, where she met with the Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, and the Minister for European Affairs, Jessika Roswall. During the meeting, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed support for Belarusian civil society and independent media, as well as raised the issue of visas for Belarusians. She emphasized the importance […]
May 20, 2024
Speech before EU culture ministers, meeting with Belarusians in Poznań, Signal in Belarusian. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for May 13-19, 2024
CONFERENCE OF DEMOCRATIC FORCES IN WARSAW On May 19, the democratic forces held a conference in Warsaw, during which candidates for the Coordination Council presented their programs. Among the candidates are representatives of youth initiatives, NGOs, Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine, bloggers, and politicians. The Coordination Council is a representative body of the democratic forces […]
May 20, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Independent Belarus will be one of the greatest sanctions against Putin”
In an interview with Euronews, the Belarusian leader discussed the threat posed by Russia to Belarus and the entire region, and why Putin needs Lukashenka. During the conversation, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also talked about the Russification of Belarus and the need to withdraw the country from Russia’s war against Ukraine. Here are the most striking quotes […]
May 20, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Belarusians in Poznań for the first time
During her visit to Poznań, the Belarusian leader met with the local diaspora. Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Pavel Latushka, and Representative for National Revival, Alina Koushyk, joined Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya for the conversation. The meeting, initiated by Lichtar at Adam Mickiewicz University, was attended by more than 300 people. During a brief opening […]
May 17, 2024
“Situation in Belarus echoes that of Stalin’s era”: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at Impact Conference
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the International Impact Conference in Poznań, Poland. Over two days, speakers discuss current issues faced by Europe covering various aspects. In particular, politicians like Michelle Obama, Radosław Sikorski, and Sanna Marin, scientists like Timothy Snyder and Ivan Krastev, as well as bank executives, top athletes, and media and technology professionals share […]
May 16, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya received European of the Year Award
The Belarusian leader became the laureate of a prestigious award presented by European Movement Denmark. This award is given annually to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to European integration, European society, and the promotion of universal human values. The winners come from various fields of activity, including politics, culture, science, or sports. Previous […]
May 14, 2024
“Every day I feel inspired by Belarusian women at forefront of our struggle”: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in panel discussion by Danish Foreign Policy Society
The Belarusian leader began her working trip to Denmark by speaking at a Danish Foreign Policy Society panel discussion. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya shared her views on true courage and spoke on being not only the Belarusian leader but also a symbol of democracy and women’s leadership. Here are some of the highlights from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s speech: […]
May 14, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya presented Ales Pushkin’s painting as gift to Flemish government
The Belarusian leader handed it over to the Minister-President of Flanders, Jan Jambon, during the meeting of EU culture ministers. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Head of the United Transitional Cabinet: “The painting “Belarusian Sun” by Ales Pushkin symbolizes our peacefulness and love for native land. The frame was made by Ales using old wood from his fence […]
May 14, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya wished Belarusians Happy Radaunitsa (Day of Rejoicing)
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: «Dear friends, let me sincerely wish you a Happy Radaunitsa! This day has always been important for us Belarusians, who know so well how much family support means. Today, as we remember our ancestors, we also feel as if they are alive and present with us. We adorn their images in our memory […]
May 14, 2024
Meetings in NATO, Victory Day, three scenarios for Belarus and region. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for May 6-12, 2024
MEETING WITH NATO OFFICIALS Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met for the first time with the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. Additionally, within the framework of the North Atlantic Council, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for the permanent representatives of all NATO member countries. In total, the discussions lasted more than 4 hours. The dialogue on the political […]
May 13, 2024
How can democratic Belarus contribute to Europe’s security?
After the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the regime’s rhetoric has become more aggressive, including towards neighboring countries. We explain below why supporting democratic Belarus is not just a humanitarian but also a strategic necessity for Europe’s security. ANTI-WAR SENTIMENT IN BELARUS PREVENTS NEW WARS The sentiment of the absolute majority of society […]
May 10, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on release of Yaraslau Novikau in Armenia: “I hope this case will set a positive precedent”
In early 2024, Yaroslav Novikau was detained while crossing the border between Georgia and Armenia. The regime had initiated a criminal case against the young man, accusing him of evading military service, and requested an interstate search within the CIS. Yaraslau, who had left the country due to the threat of mobilization, was placed in […]
May 10, 2024
“Belarusians have never been aggressors”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on 79th anniversary of victory in World War II
Dear Belarusians! It has been 79 years since one of the most terrible wars in history ended. The world defeated Nazism and Hitler’s dictatorship. This day reminds us of human courage and self-sacrifice – and the people who fought for peace and freedom. This day is not only about victory but also about remembrance. We […]
May 09, 2024