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 […]
May 12, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
During her visit to Stockholm, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, and the State Secretary at the Ministry, Diana Janse. The discussion focused on support for Belarusian society and democratic forces, as well as international solidarity with Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed gratitude to the […]
May 12, 2026
European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Venice Biennale. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: May 3–10
EUROPEAN POLITICAL COMMUNITY SUMMIT Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, where she held brief conversations on the margins with more than 20 European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. […]
May 12, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in a roundtable discussion at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies
On May 11, during her visit to Sweden, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies. She stated that the situation surrounding Belarus remains contradictory: political prisoners are being released while repression continues, and the Lukashenka regime’s dependence on Russia is only deepening. Speaking about the region […]
May 11, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined the weekly rally in support of Ukraine in Stockholm
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in a solidarity rally with Ukraine held every Monday in Stockholm. In her address, she spoke about the responsibility of the Lukashenka regime for its complicity in the war against Ukraine: “What do I feel? I feel ashamed that, despite all the strength of the free world, we still cannot stop […]
May 11, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Youth, Gender, and Democracy for Belarus Forum in Stockholm
On May 11, the Youth, Gender, and Democracy for Belarus Forum opened in Stockholm. The program includes panel discussions and working groups focused on youth participation, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and practical tools for developing youth initiatives and cooperation. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks addressed to Belarusian youth leaders, representatives of Swedish state institutions, civil […]
May 11, 2026
“The memory of war should remind us to protect life”
On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians, reminding them of the true meaning of this date — the memory of those who defeated Nazism and the price of peace. She also stressed that Belarus must not become a platform for someone else’s […]
May 11, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “May 9 is a day of remembrance. A day when we honor those who defeated Nazism in the Second World War and those who never returned home. There is no family in Belarus untouched by that war. We remember that sacrifice, and that is why it is especially painful to see the memory […]
May 11, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the “Under the Grey Sky” film screening in Warsaw
On May 7, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended a screening in Warsaw of “Under the Grey Sky”, a film by Belarusian director Mara Tamkovich. The film tells the story of journalist Katsiaryna Andreyeva and her husband, journalist Ihar Ilyash. It was the first screening attended by the recently released journalist. Ihar Ilyash remains behind bars. Following the […]
May 08, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the Venice Biennale
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the Venice Biennale — one of the oldest and most prestigious international exhibitions of contemporary art in the world. This year it features the exhibition “Official. Unofficial. Belarus”, created by the Belarus Free Theatre. The exhibition presents the truth about contemporary Belarus through symbols of censorship, the voices of political prisoners, images […]
May 08, 2026
Chornobyl: International solidarity on the 40th anniversary of the disaster
On the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the international community expressed solidarity with those affected and stressed the need to preserve historical memory. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled a selection of statements from international organizations and media marking this date. United Nations “An integrated approach to sustainable development was adopted to address the needs of […]
May 06, 2026
Dzianis Kuchynski and Anatoli Liabedzka held talks in the Armenian Parliament
During their visit to Yerevan, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, and Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, held a meeting in the Armenian Parliament with the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs, Rustam Bakoyan. The discussion focused on the human rights situation, prospects for parliamentary cooperation, […]