May 05, 2026
5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora and the Three Seas Summit. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: April 27 – May 3
5TH CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA The 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora took place in Warsaw on May 1–2. Over two days, participants discussed Belarusian identity abroad, shared successful practices from different countries, and explored practical solutions for Belarusians living outside the country. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered an opening address, noting that over the years, […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Armenia’s leadership on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit
During her visit to Armenia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan. This marks her first official visit to the country. On the sidelines of the summit, she held meetings with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan. For democratic Belarus, the […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico
On the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. They discussed the importance of joint European support for both Belarus and Ukraine, as well as opportunities for further cooperation between Slovakia and the democratic forces of Belarus. They also addressed Belarus in the context […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
A brief conversation between the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took place today on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit, marking the two leaders’ first meeting. Canada is participating in the EPC Summit for the first time. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I greatly valued the opportunity to meet with the Prime […]
May 04, 2026
Leanid Marozau’s statement on the Lukashenka regime’s use of Article 411 to extend political prisoners’ sentences
According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, political prisoner Uladzimir Kniha will be tried for the third time for “malicious disobedience to the lawful demands of prison administration.” The regime is using Article 411 of the Criminal Code again as a tool of pressure against political prisoners. This is a telling example of a systemic […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to participate in the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will take part in the European Political Community Summit as an invited guest representing Belarus, as well as in the Yerevan Dialogue Forum organized by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s first visit to Armenia. The visit had not been announced in advance for security reasons. The summit is […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined Poland’s Constitution Day celebrations
At the invitation of the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the Constitution Day ceremony on May 3, where Andrzej Poczobut was awarded the Order of the White Eagle — Poland’s highest state decoration. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Andrzej Poczobut unites the Belarusian and Polish peoples. He is a symbol of resilience and courage. He […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with French President Emmanuel Macron
On the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. The discussion focused on European unity, continued support, and France’s leading role in maintaining a strong and cohesive Europe. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “It is essential that Europe preserve its unity and continue to […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s World Press Freedom Day address
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Press freedom is a mirror of what is really happening in society. In today’s Belarus, telling the truth is dangerous, and every journalistic piece carries not only professional responsibility but also personal risk. Belarusian journalists who do their work with integrity pay a high price for it: arrests, prison, forced exile. And yet […]
May 04, 2026
Interactive thematic groups at the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora
At the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora in Warsaw, participants are working in interactive thematic groups. They are jointly identifying key challenges, analyzing both successful and difficult cases, and developing practical solutions for joint action by the diaspora and the democratic forces of Belarus. The topics include: documents and passports for Belarusians abroad; security […]
May 04, 2026
“We need to build the Belarusian case and the Belarusian story”
Franak Viacorka spoke at a panel discussion during the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora: “We need to build the Belarusian case and the Belarusian story. The most important thing is to be visible. We have traditions such as March 25, April 26, and August 9 — and we need to continue them and bring […]
May 04, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s closing speech at the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora
Today, May 2, the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora concluded in Warsaw. Over the course of two days, participants discussed shared challenges, exchanged experiences, and explored practical solutions for Belarusians abroad. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered closing remarks, thanking the Belarusian community for its unity, mutual support, and readiness to continue working together. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Dear […]
May 02, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Labor Day address
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Work in Belarus too often goes hand in hand with fear — fear of contract dependence, dismissal for one’s views, punishment for an election candidate endorsement, a comment, or a donation to charity. But a person should not have to choose between bread and conscience. Work should not make people obedient — it […]
May 02, 2026
International event dedicated to the Chornobyl disaster held in Prague
On April 27, 2026, an international event titled “The Chornobyl Shadow 40 Years Later: Securing the Future of Belarus and Ukraine” took place in Prague, marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster and addressing current nuclear threats in the region. It brought together diplomats, experts, and representatives of the democratic forces of Belarus to […]
May 02, 2026
Dzianis Kuchynski met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė’s team
Dzianis Kuchynski, who heads Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Vilnius and serves as her Diplomatic Advisor, met in Vilnius with the team of Lithuania’s Prime Minister, Ingrida Ruginienė. The Lithuanian side was represented by the Prime Minister Ruginienė’s Diplomatic Advisor, Kęstutis Kudzmanas, and National Security Advisor, Vidmantas Kaladinskas. The parties discussed: the Office’s plans in Lithuania […]
May 01, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s opening remarks at the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora
On May 1, the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora started in Warsaw. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks, emphasizing that over these years, Belarusians have both preserved their unity and learned to respond to new challenges together. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Dear Belarusians, friends, like-minded people, international guests and allies, Welcome to the Conference of the Belarusian […]
May 01, 2026
April 2026: Highlights from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office
Throughout April, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continued its work on supporting political prisoners and addressing issues that directly affect Belarusians abroad. This month featured high-level meetings, public engagements, and outreach to Belarusian communities and initiatives. Below are the key developments from the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Berlin to participate in a […]
April 30, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met Estonian Parliament Speaker Lauri Hussar
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), Lauri Hussar, on the sidelines of the Three Seas Summit. The parties discussed sanctions, support for Belarusian youth, and prospects for further cooperation. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I called for clearly distinguishing between Belarusians and Russians in legislative initiatives — including in matters of property restrictions […]
April 30, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met Romanian President Nicușor Dan
On the sidelines of the Three Seas Summit in Croatia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan. The parties discussed: deepening cooperation between Romania and the democratic forces of Belarus; the possibility of Romania joining the International Humanitarian Fund; cooperation with non-governmental organizations; Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s possible visit to Bucharest. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We […]
April 29, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met Polish President Karol Nawrocki
During the Three Seas Summit in Dubrovnik, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki. They discussed the release of Andrzej Poczobut, recent developments, and further steps in cooperation between Belarus and Poland. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I was glad to meet with the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, on the sidelines of the Three […]
April 29, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda
During the Three Seas Summit in Croatia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda The sides discussed the release of political prisoners, the situation surrounding the European Humanities University, and support for Belarusians in Lithuania. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I was honored to meet with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda. We discussed current […]
April 29, 2026
Dzianis Kuchynski met with EHU Governing Board Chair Mantas Adomėnas
On April 27, the Director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Lithuania, Dzianis Kuchynski, held a meeting in Vilnius with the Chair of the Governing Board of the European Humanities University (EHU), Mantas Adomėnas, who is also the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies. The meeting took place against the backdrop of a situation requiring […]
April 28, 2026
Why does the Coordination Council election matter for Belarusians? Pavel Tereshkovich’s perspective
In a few weeks, the election to the fourth convocation of the Coordination Council will take place. On this occasion, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Pavel Tereshkovich, turns to history to highlight the importance of this process. “In the spring of 1917, Belarus found itself in an extremely dramatic situation. The front line […]
April 28, 2026
Chornobyl disaster anniversary, meetings with the Belarusian community. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: April 20–26
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHORNOBYL TRAGEDY On April 26, the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians. She recalled her personal memories and highlighted the risks posed by the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant and the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. On the same day, Belarusians in different countries commemorated Chornobyl […]
April 28, 2026
Meeting with Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania Olga Nikitchenko
The Director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Lithuania, Dzianis Kuchynski, met with the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Lithuania, Olga Nikitchenko. The parties discussed current issues of cooperation and interaction between Ukraine and the democratic forces of Belarus. They addressed the recent meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Vilnius, as […]
April 28, 2026
Meeting between Blue / Yellow and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office
A meeting was held at Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Vilnius with the Founder of the Lithuanian charitable organization Blue/Yellow, Jonas Ohman. The Belarusian side was represented by the Director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Lithuania, Dzianis Kuchynski, and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka. They briefed Mr. Ohman on the current state and […]
April 28, 2026
“A shared tragedy that unites us all”: Rally in Warsaw on the anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster
On April 26, Belarusians gathered near the Copernicus Monument in Warsaw to honor the memory of the Chornobyl tragedy, its consequences for Belarus and the world, and the people whose lives it changed forever. More than 100 people took part. Speakers included Viachaslau Siuchyk, Father Viachaslau Barok, Pavel Latushka (United Transitional Cabinet), Franak Viacorka (Sviatlana […]
April 28, 2026
Chornobyl Way 2026 in Vilnius
Despite the weather, Belarusians in Vilnius came out to honor the memory of the Chornobyl tragedy. A run and a cycling event took place, followed by a rally. The Director of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office in Lithuania, Dzianis Kuchynski, and the Non-Staff Advisor on Environment to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Dzmitry Kuchuk, also joined the event. Events marking […]
April 27, 2026
Victims of the Chornobyl tragedy commemorated in Vilnius
Representatives of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office joined the commemoration in Vilnius of the victims of the Chornobyl tragedy, including Director Dzianis Kuchynski, Parliamentary Cooperation Advisor Anatoli Liabedzka, and Non-Staff Environmental Advisor Dzmitry Kuchuk. Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, as well as representatives of environmental NGOs and activists, also took part. Together with diplomats, they participated in a […]