Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on Donald Trump’s inauguration
“President Trump was in office in the United States when our peaceful uprising began in 2020. It was during his term that the first sanctions were imposed against the Lukashenka regime and Ambassador Julie Fisher was appointed [as the Special Envoy for Belarus], with whom we worked closely in the following years. The new administration […]
January 22, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration.
“Today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Donald J. Trump on his inauguration. The people of the United States have once again demonstrated the enduring strength of democracy through a peaceful transfer of power. The ideals that underpin the American spirit—liberty, self-determination, and the pursuit of happiness—continue to light a path for nations around […]
January 20, 2025
Visit to the Netherlands, International Criminal Court referral, political prisoners’ release. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for January 12-19
VISIT TO THE HAGUE On January 12-13, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya conducted a working visit to The Hague, meeting with: Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dirk Schoof; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Martin Bosma; NGOs at the Helsinki Committee office; experts from the Clingendael Institute; the Belarusian diaspora in the […]
January 20, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended a commemoration for the 1863-1864 Uprising participants in Vilnius
On the anniversary of the uprising led by Kastus Kalinouski in 1863-1864, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya honored the graves of its participants. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “This day always feels significant and sacred. Despite the tragic fate of those who fought for independence and freedom over 160 years ago, this date carries great hope and strength. We are still […]
January 19, 2025
Lithuania extended entry ban exemptions for Belarusian-registered vehicles
Lithuania indefinitely extended exemptions for Belarusian-registered vehicles. The new regulations allow Belarusians with visas or residence permits to enter the country using their cars. Entry is also allowed for EU citizens driving Belarusian-registered cars provided the vehicles are only for personal use. Legal entities and Belarusian citizens intending to use vehicles for commercial purposes must […]
January 18, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuania’s Minister of Justice Rimantas Mockus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel Latushka met with the new Minister of Justice of Lithuania, Rimantas Mockus. The discussion focused on efforts to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable, including Lithuania’s referral of the regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and coordination with other countries on these efforts. The parties agreed to establish ongoing communication […]
January 18, 2025
Statement by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office on the regime’s invitation to the OSCE to monitor the sham election
“We urge the OSCE ODIHR not to accept this belated and limited invitation from the regime to observe the so-called presidential election on January 26. Elections are not just about the voting day. They are a lengthy process that must be transparent and meet democratic standards. In 1994, OSCE participating states mandated ODIHR with long-term […]
January 18, 2025
Summary of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to the Netherlands
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited The Hague and Amsterdam on January 13–14. Political meetings Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dirk Schoof Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp Speaker of the Dutch Parliament, Martin Bosma Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (hearing) Collaboration with civil society and academia Meetings with Dutch NGOs, including the Netherlands Helsinki […]
January 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed political prisoners’ situation with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell
On January 16, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a phone call with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell. The discussion focused on the recent updates regarding the situation of political prisoners in Belarus and possible steps to facilitate their release. In addition, the parties discussed: 📌 Continued Strategic Dialogue between Belarus’ democratic forces and the […]
January 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the Netherlands’ Foreign Affairs Committee
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continues her working visit to The Hague. Today, she addressed the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands’ House of Representatives. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the daily repression in Belarus and the upcoming sham election, calling for policies that distinguish Belarus from Russia. She also presented five practical proposals: 1. Denying recognition to the […]
January 15, 2025
New Belarusian Passport: FAQ
The democratic forces intend to present the New Belarusian Passport at the “Belarusians Deserve Better” event in Warsaw on January 26. However, the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the project are already available, including who will produce the passports, how much they will cost, and whether foreign states will recognize them. 📌 […]
January 15, 2025
The Netherlands will not recognize the sham election in Belarus. Summary of the first day of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to The Hague
On the first day of her visit to The Hague, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with members of the Dutch government, civil society, and experts. 📌 With the Prime Minister, Dirk Schoof, the Belarusian leader discussed the non-recognition of the Lukashenka regime and the January 26 sham election. The Prime Minister assured Ms. Tsikhanouskaya that the Netherlands’ […]
January 15, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp
During her visit to The Hague, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp. The Belarusian leader expressed gratitude to the minister and the government of the Netherlands for their principled stance vis-a-vis the Lukashenka regime and their continued support for Belarus. Key topics discussed during the meeting included: The non-recognition […]
January 15, 2025
Visit to Poland, meetings with PACE rapporteurs and Lithuanian Seimas Speaker. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for January 6-12
VISIT TO POLAND Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya conducted a working visit to Warsaw, meeting with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, the Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, the Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, the Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk, and the Marshal of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia. Poland […]
January 15, 2025
United Transitional Cabinet signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Community of Democracies
During her visit to Warsaw, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, representing the United Transitional Cabinet, signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Community of Democracies, represented by Secretary General Mantas Adomėnas. “Dear Secretary General Adomenas, Dear Excellencies, and friends, It is a great honor to stand here today among allies who share the same values and dreams. In […]
January 11, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda
Andrzej Duda welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and members of the United Transitional Cabinet at the Belweder Palace. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Head of the Cabinet, Pavel Latushka, the Acting Representative for National Revival, Pavel Barkouski, the Chief of Staff, Valery Matskevich, the Deputy Representative for Power Transition, Artsiom Brukhan, and the Coordination Council […]
January 11, 2025
“One day, Belarus will join Poland in the European family of free and democratic nations”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a press briefing in Warsaw: “First of all, let me thank the Marshal of the Senate, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, for her solidarity and warm welcome here in the Polish Senate. During this visit, I met with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Minister Radosław Sikorski, Minister Szłapka, Sejm Marshal Hołownia, Education and Development Ministers, […]
January 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and United Transitional Cabinet members met with Poland’s Minister of National Education Barbara Nowacka
During her working visit to Poland, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the country’s Minister of National Education, Barbara Nowacka. Members of the United Transitional Cabinet also joined the meeting, including the Deputy Head, Pavel Latushka, the Representative for Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, and the Acting Representative for National Revival, Pavel Barkouski. The parties discussed: […]
January 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radosław Sikorski, during her working visit to Warsaw. The Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet, Pavel Latushka, also participated in the meeting. The parties discussed: ways to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus, including Andrzej Poczobut, and support them; travel documents […]
January 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed challenges faced by Belarusian businesses with Poland’s Minister of Economic Development
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continues her working visit to Warsaw. Today, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Pavel Latushka met with Poland’s Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk. The meeting focused on supporting the Belarusian democratic community, entrepreneurs, and Belarusians who have sought refuge in Poland. Over 18,000 businesses and companies owned by Belarusians are currently registered in […]
January 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya presented United Transitional Cabinet awards to outstanding individuals
An official ceremony took place on the first day of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to Warsaw, with the leader presenting awards from the United Transitional Cabinet to outstanding individuals. Several people were honored during the event for their exceptional dedication to their work and commitment to democratic values. The Francysk Skaryna Medal was awarded to Elżbieta […]
January 09, 2025
Short-term priorities of the foreign policy activities of Belarus’ democratic forces
Our mission is an independent, democratic, and European Belarus. Key objectives: Independence: Ensure conditions for preserving the Belarusian state and nation, counteract attempts to undermine Belarus’ sovereignty (which is threatened by Russia), and, amidst the further isolation of the illegitimate Lukashenka regime, achieve legal or de facto recognition of the democratic forces’ institutions by the […]
January 09, 2025
“As the sham election approaches, repression intensifies. Lukashenka continues to behave as if hundreds of thousands are still standing outside his palace”
During her visit to Warsaw, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at a joint session of the Polish Sejm, Senate, and the Committees on Foreign and European Affairs. Polish MPs, experts, and politicians attended the session, as well as representatives of the Belarusian community: Pavel Latushka, Aliaksandr Milinkevich, Anatoli Liabedzka, Anzhalika Melnikava, Marharyta Vorykhava, Alina Koushyk, Vlad Kobets, […]
January 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her working visit to Warsaw today by meeting with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk. This meeting holds particular significance as Poland assumed the Presidency of the Council of Europe on January 1, opening new opportunities for cooperation between Poland’s government and Belarus’ democratic forces. During the hour-long meeting, the leaders […]
January 09, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s statement on Viktar Babaryka’s images from prison
“Seeing Viktar Babaryka, like Maryia Kalesnikava a few months ago, after so many months of incommunicado detention, is an incredible relief. Yet it is horrifying to realize the regime is using people who should never have been imprisoned as tools for manipulation. Over the past two years, we have had to learn the dreadful word […]
January 08, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Saulius Skvernelis
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with the new Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, Saulius Skvernelis, in Vilnius. The parties discussed ways to secure the release of political prisoners, support Belarusians in Lithuania, respond to the sham election in Belarus, address regional and national security threats, and develop Belarusian-Lithuanian relations. Here is a summary of the […]
January 08, 2025
Monthly recap: December 2024. Key events, new research, and notable achievements of Belarusian activists and NGOs
A series of notable events marked December 2024. Below are the key updates from the Belarusian democratic community. The Belarusian Association of Journalists released a guide on establishing effective communication between NGOs and media. The Belarusian History Portal was launched to promote Belarusian history. Legal Initiative launched a form to allow Belarusians persecuted on political […]
January 07, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with PACE rapporteurs on Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with the PACE General Rapporteur for a Democratic Belarus, Ryszard Petru, and the General Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and whistleblowers, Emanuelis Zingeris. They discussed plans and priorities for cooperation in 2025. Key issues discussed during the meeting included: A new PACE resolution on Belarus during the […]
January 07, 2025
New Year’s address, holiday greetings for political prisoners’ children, response to sham election. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for December 30 – January 5
NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered her New Year’s message to Belarusians, broadcasted on all official platforms. Despite the authorities blocking access to YouTube in Belarus for the second year in a row, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s address surpassed Lukashenka’s in viewership. Read the text version of the address. HOLIDAY GREETINGS FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS’ CHILDREN Representatives of […]
January 06, 2025