Outcomes of the Belarus–USA Strategic Dialogue
The second round of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States government and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Vilnius. The meeting was chaired by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Christopher Smith, and the Head of Belarus’ United Transitional Cabinet, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Representatives of Belarusian democratic institutions, civil society, human rights […]
December 05, 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s International Volunteer Day address
“Volunteers are living proof that the phrase ‘it’s not my problem’ is not about us. Your willingness to respond, support, and lend a helping hand, even in the hardest of times, is a true example of humanity and compassion. You are always the first to answer our calls for help – day and night, no […]
December 05, 2024
“If someone submits a petition for pardon, this should never be condemned – because these people are innocent”
In an interview with ERR.ee, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya shared her perspective on the situation in Belarus and public opinion toward the war and the Lukashenka regime. The leader emphasized that Belarusians oppose aggression and do not support policies that turn their country into an international pariah. Here are the key points from the conversation: Why Lukashenka […]
December 04, 2024
“In policy toward Belarus, consistency must be key”. Belarus–USA Strategic Dialogue started in Vilnius
The Belarus–USA Strategic Dialogue started in Vilnius, bringing together representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces and American policymakers. The dialogue, first launched last year, serves as a platform to strengthen long-term relations with the United States government. View the results of previous sessions of the Strategic Dialogue here and here. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was the keynote speaker […]
December 04, 2024
Visit to Canada, denied extradition in Poland, solidarity rally for Vasil Verameichyk. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for November 25 – December 1
VISIT TO CANADA 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 […]
December 03, 2024
“Now is a good time to look at what we can do together to strengthen Belarusian–Lithuanian relations”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the conference “Belarus–Lithuania: Into the Future Through Shared Values” in Vilnius, aiming to foster dialogue for Belarus’ European integration, identify effective ways to combat disinformation, and enhance Belarus–Lithuania cooperation. In her speech, the Belarusian leader called for working together to address current challenges in bilateral relations and proposed four […]
December 02, 2024
Why the EU Must Stand With Belarus
Belarus is a European country. Its people share the same values as those in Warsaw, Paris, and Berlin — freedom, dignity, and self-determination. The streets of Minsk, Hrodna, and Viciebsk echo the aspirations of countless Belarusians who risked their lives in 2020, protesting peacefully for a democratic future. They made their choice: they want Belarus […]
December 02, 2024
Joint statement between Canada and the Democratic Forces of Belarus
On November 26, 2024, the Government of Canada and representatives of the Belarusian Democratic Forces, including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Office, members of the United Transitional Cabinet, and individuals from Belarus’ civil society, convened in Ottawa for strategic consultations. These consultations, which were held for the first time, focused on: the protection of fundamental human […]
December 01, 2024
Polish Court denied Lukashenka regime’s request to extradite Belarusian activist Dmitry Pleskachev
On November 28, the District Court in Poznań ruled against the extradition of Belarusian activist Dmitry Pleskachev after determining that the request from the Lukashenka regime was politically motivated. “Extradition would have been a blatant violation of international law. We are grateful to the Polish authorities for their consistent support in upholding democratic values and […]
November 29, 2024
“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