May 25, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and Pripyat
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is on a visit to Ukraine, where today, May 26, she visited the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and Pripyat — places forever associated with one of the worst man-made disasters in history. The delegation also visited the fourth reactor of the Chornobyl NPP. For Belarusians, Chornobyl is both a personal and national tragedy. […]
May 25, 2026
Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus, visit to Prague, GLOBSEC Forum. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: May 18–24
DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH POLITICAL PRISONERS IN BELARUS On May 21, the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus, solidarity rallies and events took place in various cities. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians ahead of the events. She reminded people about the conditions endured by those imprisoned and emphasized that persecution often does not end […]
May 25, 2026
“Every such strike reveals the true nature of Putin’s regime — a regime that recognizes neither human life, nor international law, nor borders”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya witnessed firsthand the consequences of yesterday’s Russian attack on districts of Kyiv. One of the hardest-hit areas was Lukianivka, where multiple fires broke out and the Kvadrat shopping and entertainment center was completely destroyed. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Russia is deliberately trying to break people through fear, darkness, and constant nighttime attacks. But every such […]
May 25, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya laid flowers at the grave of Maryia Zaitsava in Kyiv
Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya has arrived in Kyiv on an official visit. “The first thing I did when I arrived in Kyiv was go straight from the train station to visit the grave of Maryia Zaitsava. She symbolizes not only our resistance to dictatorship but also Ukrainian-Belarusian solidarity. It was truly important for me to begin this […]
May 25, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on Russia’s massive attack against Ukraine
Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya: “Last night, Russia carried out another disgraceful attack against Ukraine. In Kyiv and the surrounding region, missiles and drones struck residential buildings. Civilians were killed. Dozens were injured, including children. This is yet another criminal attack against the civilian population. We cannot accept a reality in which cities in a neighboring country are […]
May 22, 2026
Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus: Day Two
The Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus concluded in Vilnius today. Day Two focused on finding strategic approaches to move from documenting the regime’s crimes to taking action that can help overcome the human rights crisis in Belarus. The day began with the presentation of a new BELPOL report titled “The Real Scale of […]
May 22, 2026
“Holding the Line on Democratic Resilience”: Panel session at the GLOBSEC Forum
As part of the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the session “Holding the Line on Democratic Resilience”, dedicated to the challenges facing modern democracies. Participants discussed how to strengthen social cohesion, maintain trust in institutions, and ensure the role of civil society and independent media under pressure. The session also featured: […]
May 22, 2026
Leanid Marozau spoke at the Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus
On May 22, the Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus #WithoutJustCause continues in Vilnius. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, delivered opening remarks at Day Two. He called for international solidarity and support for political prisoners and their families and stressed the role of human rights defenders, volunteers, journalists, and lawyers in […]
May 22, 2026
“Democracies must cooperate much more closely, because dictators already do”
On May 22, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is taking part in the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague — one of the key international platforms focused on security and democracy. She delivered a keynote speech at the panel “Defending Democracy’s Frontline Defenders: Journalists, Activists & the Threat of Transnational Repression”. In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya outlined the scale of […]
May 22, 2026
Pavel Terashkovich’ comment on the regime’s new commission to rewrite school textbooks
In Belarus, a state commission has been established to rewrite textbooks on humanities subjects, including history. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Pavel Terashkovich, explains why the state is doing this and what consequences it may have: “The creation of a state commission on the ‘preparation of textbooks in the humanities and social sciences’ […]
May 22, 2026
Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus: Day One
The Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus #WithoutJustCause started in Vilnius today. On May 21 — the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus — the program focused on those who remain behind bars and on the forms of solidarity that help maintain a connection between political prisoners and the outside world. On […]
May 22, 2026
International reactions on the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus
The Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus prompted broad support around the world. Statements were issued by more than 40 governments, parliamentarians, diplomats, international organizations, and representatives of civil society. European Parliament “Today, we express our unwavering solidarity with more than 800 political prisoners and all those persecuted on political grounds who remain […]
May 21, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Lukashenka is once again putting the lives of Belarusians at risk. Step by step, he is drawing the country into nuclear blackmail: first, the nuclear-free status was removed from the Constitution; then came the announcement of the deployment of nuclear weapons and the Oreshnik missile system; next, joint exercises on the use of […]
May 21, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus
The Third Congress on Political Prisoners in Belarus #WithoutJustCause has opened in Vilnius, bringing together former political prisoners, relatives of detainees, human rights defenders, diplomats, journalists, representatives of civic initiatives, and international partners to discuss methods of human rights work and seek new ways to support political prisoners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks. She stressed […]
May 21, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on the Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Five years ago, Vitold Ashurak became the first political prisoner to die in custody, in prison in Shklou. His death became a horrifying consequence of what the regime does to people behind bars. His death is a wound that has not healed. And this day has now become a day of solidarity with […]
May 21, 2026
Study visit to Tallinn for independent Belarusian media
The Representation of Democratic Belarus in Estonia has organized a study visit to Tallinn for journalists of Belarusian independent media. The visit is supported by the Estonian Center for International Development, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Journalists for Human Rights. Vitaly Malchanau, who heads the Representation, speaks about the event: Representatives of 12 […]
May 20, 2026
Leanid Marozau’s comment on reports of humiliating searches and pressure against Belarusians at the border
The A Country to Live In Foundation has reported new cases of humiliating personal searches at the Belarusian border targeting people previously involved in so-called “protest cases”. The reports describe forced stripping, psychological pressure, and deliberate humiliation of people entering Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, comments on the situation: “The regime […]
May 19, 2026
Call with John Coale and Christopher Smith, visit to Stockholm, opening of the Council of Europe Information Point. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: May 11–17
VISIT TO STOCKHOLM On May 11–12, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Stockholm, where she held a meeting at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to discuss support for Belarusian civil society and democratic forces, as well as international solidarity with Belarus. She also spoke at the Youth, Gender, and Democracy for Belarus Forum and the Eastern Partnership Youth […]
May 19, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on nuclear weapons exercises in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Lukashenka is leading Belarus toward a major disaster. Belarus is currently hosting joint military exercises with Russia involving the use of nuclear weapons. A country that suffered more than any other from the Chornobyl disaster — from the so-called ‘peaceful atom’ — is once again becoming a nuclear threat and a target. Could […]
May 19, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited an exhibition on Belarusian bagpipes in Warsaw
An exhibition titled “Dudy: Instrument, History, Symbol” opened at the Free Belarus Museum in Warsaw and was visited by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The exhibition explores the Belarusian bagpipe — an instrument that nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century but later returned as an important national symbol of Belarusian culture and the country’s historical ties with Europe. […]
May 18, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined a Dranik Party in Warsaw
As part of Museum Night in Warsaw, the People’s Embassy of Belarus in Poland and the Belarusian Youth Hub hosted a festive “Pleasant Reception” in the style of a Dranik Party. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined the event, spoke with guests, and tasted draniki. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “It was a very warm gathering. Thank you to everyone who […]
May 18, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed support for Belarusian media and civil society with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
During a meeting in Aachen, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to maintain support for Belarusian independent media, civil society, cultural, and educational initiatives. The European Union is currently discussing the continuation of funding programs supporting Belarusian organizations, journalists, and democratic initiatives. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the importance […]
May 14, 2026
Support for Belarus in the Riksdag and new international initiatives: Outcomes of meetings in Sweden
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, has summarized the results of the meetings held at the Swedish Riksdag. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s team held meetings with the Deputy Speaker of the Riksdag, Kerstin Lundgren, and members of the Parliamentary Group “For a Democratic Belarus”. The parties discussed: continuing the work of the “For a Democratic […]
May 14, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a call with John Coale and Christopher Smith
On May 13, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a phone call in Vilnius with the Special Envoy of the United States to Belarus, John Coale, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern Europe, Christopher Smith. “I am grateful for today’s phone call with John Coale and Christopher Smith. I expressed my sincere gratitude to President […]
May 14, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for ambassadors and special envoys in Vilnius
Today, May 13, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing in Vilnius for members of the diplomatic corps. Participants included representatives of Lithuania, Ireland, Italy, Moldova, Latvia, the Netherlands, Israel, Finland, Estonia, Croatia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Spain, Norway, Romania, the United States, Germany, Japan, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and the Nordic Council. The meeting […]
May 14, 2026
Council of Europe Information Point for the Belarusian People opened in Vilnius
On May 12, an Information Point for the Belarusian People — a joint initiative of Lithuania and the Council of Europe — opened in Vilnius. It is the first permanent Council of Europe platform for Belarusians in exile and is expected to operate for at least five years. The Information Point will serve as a […]
May 14, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset
On May 12, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, in Vilnius. She also took part in the opening ceremony of the Council of Europe Information Point for the Belarusian People alongside Secretary General Berset, as well as Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Juozas […]
May 14, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the Eastern Partnership Youth Conference in Stockholm
The Eastern Partnership Youth Conference 2026 opened in Stockholm, bringing together around 100 young leaders and representatives of civil society and European institutions. The largest group of participants was Belarusian. In her opening remarks, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the role of young people in democratic change and called for supporting them: “I fully agree that […]
May 12, 2026
Overview of developments in education and science: April 2026
This overview presents the key developments in education and science in April 2026, divided into two sections: developments within Belarus and those beyond its borders. The overview was prepared by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Pavel Tereshkovich. Developments inside Belarus Militarization of education In April, a new procedure was announced for military field […]