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, […]
May 06, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Armenian experts and civil society
Leaders of 20 prominent Armenian NGOs and initiatives, including members of the expert community, human rights defenders, and educational initiatives, met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Yerevan. Participants in the meeting discussed how to address cases in which the Lukashenka regime abuses international search mechanisms against Belarusians. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that resolving this issue would help […]
May 06, 2026
Key trends in Belarusian education and science within the country and in exile
January–March 2026 Pavel Tereshkovich, Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Education and Science Summary The education and science system in Belarus is developing under conditions of increasing state control, political indoctrination, and chronic underfunding. The “Intellectual Belarus” program formally establishes education as a priority, but in practice, it is accompanied by restricted access to higher education, […]
May 05, 2026
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Yerevan Dialogue Forum
As part of the Yerevan Dialogue Forum, a panel discussion titled “Democratic Resilience, Hybrid Threats, and AI: Safeguarding Democratic Elections” took place, co-hosted by CAPS. The speakers included: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Mantas Adomėnas, Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, Tatjana Macura, Serbia’s Minister without Portfolio in Charge of Gender Equality, Maxim Behar, President of the […]
May 05, 2026
Cooperation between Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and the Coordination Council: Impact for Belarusians
While the Coordination Council and the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are separate bodies, they work closely together in many areas. Here are several examples of how this cooperation delivers practical results for Belarusians. 1. Presence in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office initiated and advanced a PACE resolution on Belarus. […]
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 […]