Monthly recap: February 2025. Key events, new research, and notable achievements of Belarusian activists and NGOs
Human Constanta and The Others (IshyYa) announced “Equality March”, a month dedicated to non-discrimination, equality, and inclusion. Belarusian diasporas worldwide marked International Mother Language Day with events and rallies. The team of Pamyłka, a popular science zine in Belarusian, announced the winners of the first-ever “Bison Higgs” public award for the popularization of Belarusian scientists […]
March 04, 2025
Meeting with a former political prisoner, address on the anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, meeting at the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, and International Day of Solidarity with Belarus. Weekly updates from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office: February 24 – March 2
MEETING WITH ALENA MAUSHUK On February 27, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Alena Maushuk at her office in Vilnius. Alena, a mother of five, was arrested in 2020 along with her husband during a protest rally and later sentenced to six years in prison, losing her parental rights. She spent four and a half years behind […]
March 04, 2025
“The more actively women engage, the stronger our community becomes”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with women leading Belarusian NGOs ahead of the upcoming International Women’s Day. The meeting focused on key issues and challenges faced by civil society and the role of women in Belarus’ society and politics. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya and the participants of the meeting discussed: Support for Belarusians in exile, including coordination between NGOs […]
March 03, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich
Svetlana Alexievich is the first Belarusian writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. In 2015, the Swedish Academy honored her “for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time”. Over the years, Ms. Alexievich has gifted the literary world six works from her cycle “The Chronicle of the Big Utopia”, […]
March 01, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with former political prisoner Alena Maushuk
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with former political prisoner Alena Maushuk in Vilnius. Alena, a mother of five, was arrested in 2020 along with her husband during a protest rally and later sentenced to six years in prison, losing her parental rights. She spent four and a half years behind bars, where she was deprived of visits […]
February 27, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s World NGO Day address
“Civil society has always been the heart of Belarus. It is made up of volunteers who help those in need by supporting pensioners and people with disabilities, providing educational opportunities for children and youth, defending human rights, and fostering culture and education. These are dedicated, inspired individuals who make our society open, strong, and united. […]
February 27, 2025
The Lukashenka regime at the UN Human Rights Council session: An attempt to legitimize repression amid crimes against humanity
Belarus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its participation in the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. In Geneva, Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov intends to discuss, among other topics, “current approaches” to the Council’s activities, as well as Belarus’ stance on regional and global security issues. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office reiterates the following: Belarus systematically […]
February 27, 2025
Meeting with ambassadors in Vilnius, visit to Sweden, International Mother Language Day. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for February 17-23
MEETING WITH AMBASSADORS Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with ambassadors and heads of missions from 25 countries in Vilnius to discuss ways to secure the release of political prisoners, the military and political situation in the region, and support for independent media. She emphasized that sanctions must remain in force to keep pressure on the regime until […]
February 24, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address on the third anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine
“Talking about war is not easy. Sometimes it seems like nothing new can be said. From childhood, we are taught that war is a tragedy and that nothing can justify brutal bloodshed, ruined cities, and endless deaths. In schools and universities, we hear about the value of human life. So how has this full-scale war […]
February 24, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s World Day of Social Justice address
“Justice is more than a legal term or an abstract concept. Justice is the foundation of a democratic and free society that we strive for. Belarusians know well what injustice is. We see the consequences of inequality and the suppression of rights. Indifference to people breeds repression and oppression. Lack of justice leads to a […]
February 20, 2025
“The repression machinery continues to operate against Belarusians both inside the country and beyond its borders”
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Vilnius with ambassadors and heads of missions from 25 countries accredited in Lithuania. The now-traditional meeting with the diplomatic corps was organized by the Embassy of Poland, which currently holds the EU Presidency. The discussions during the briefing covered: The situation of political prisoners in Belarus and the efforts to secure […]
February 20, 2025
“Women are not a footnote in revolutions. We are their foundation!”
At the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the panel discussion “Catalysts for Change: The Power of Women’s Political Movements in the Fight for Freedom”. The event focused on strategies and experiences of women’s initiatives in building and strengthening democratic governance. Alongside Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the discussion featured: Evgenia Kara-Murza – human rights advocate, Advocacy […]
February 20, 2025
Political prisoner release, Munich Security Conference, visits to Brussels and Paris. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for February 10-16
RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS On February 12, three political prisoners in Belarus were announced to have been released: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Andrei Kuznechyk, mother of multiple children Alena Maushuk, and an unnamed United States citizen. All of them are now in a safe place. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I am deeply grateful to President Trump, […]
February 19, 2025
“This is exactly how I envision my Belarus – a European country without political prisoners or tyranny, where people can live freely and strengthen democracy”
During the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the panel discussion “Never Waste a Quarter-Life Crisis: New Solutions in a Polarized Century”, which focused on how crises can become opportunities for rethinking and defending fundamental values. In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that Belarus is an integral part of Europe and needs support […]
February 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with key members of both chambers of the US Congress
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held meetings with the chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the United States House of Representatives and Senate – Brian Mast (House) and Jim Risch (Senate), both representing the Republican Party. The meetings took place during the Munich Security Conference, focusing on Ukraine peace negotiations and Belarus’ role in the process. Ms. […]
February 17, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia General Keith Kellogg
During the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with General Keith Kellogg, who serves in President Trump’s administration as the US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia. His responsibilities include overseeing peace negotiations on Ukraine. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the successful release of three hostages from prison in Belarus, including two political prisoners, and expressed gratitude […]
February 16, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Proposed to the UN High Commissioner to Join the Efforts for the Release of Political Prisoners
During the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. She handed over documents from Belarusian human rights defenders regarding the latest wave of repression, the situation in prisons, and lists of political prisoners in critical condition. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the situation is catastrophic and requires immediate […]
February 15, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meetings during the Munich Security Conference
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya continues her active work at the Munich Security Conference. She has met with several key politicians from Europe and the US, including the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas; the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof; the Foreign Secretary […]
February 15, 2025
Belarus at the Munich Security Conference – an issue that must resonate worldwide
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya began her participation in the Munich Security Conference by joining the panel “Belarus Beyond 2025 Elections: Catalyst For Change Or Pawn”. The panel brought together influential European politicians, diplomats, and experts to analyze Belarus’ future in the evolving geopolitical context. The discussion focused on the following questions: Should Belarus be viewed through the […]
February 15, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern Europe Christopher Smith
“Today in Vilnius, I met with Christopher W. Smith. Yesterday, Mr. Smith was in Minsk on a ‘special mission’ to secure the release of our political prisoners, Alena Maushuk and Andrei Kuznechyk, as well as a US citizen. I expressed my gratitude to Mr. Smith for his efforts, cooperation, and coordination with my Office, and […]
February 13, 2025
“No decisions regarding Belarus can be made without Belarusians!” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to speak on the main stage of the Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference is one of the world’s most important platforms for discussing key challenges in foreign policy and security. This year, the event is particularly significant, as discussions will focus on peace in Ukraine and the situation in the region. Moreover, for the first time in four years, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will take the […]
February 13, 2025
Andrei Kuznechyk and Alena Maushuk are free!
“Wonderful news! Today, we welcome three hostages of the regime back to freedom – journalist Andrei Kuznechyk, activist Alena Maushuk, and a United States citizen whose name has not yet been disclosed. I have been informed that all three are now safe in Vilnius. They are being assisted by representatives of the United States embassy, […]
February 13, 2025
Tsikhanouskaya in Paris: “We Must Do Everything to Free Political Prisoners”
During the AI Action Summit in Paris, held under the patronage of the President of France, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya conducted a series of high-level political meetings. On February 11, she met with the President of the French National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, as well as members of the French Parliament and the Group for a Democratic Belarus. […]
February 11, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the “For a Democratic Belarus” group in the French National Assembly
During her working visit to Paris, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the “For a Democratic Belarus” parliamentary group in the French National Assembly. This group serves as a platform where MPs discuss new Belarus-related initiatives, address pressing issues, and explore ways to support Belarusian civil society. French MPs and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed: Strategies for supporting and […]
February 11, 2025
“There are 5 ways AI can support the democratic movement”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya started her working visit to Paris by participating in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, held under the patronage of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. As part of the international forum, where world leaders and experts discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on politics and society, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the panel […]
February 11, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with EESC President Oliver Röpke
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke, in Paris during the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, organized under the patronage of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. The EESC is an official advisory body of the European Union, representing civil society, including trade unions, employers, and NGOs. […]
February 11, 2025
“Belarus must preserve its independence, and I know the European Parliament will stand with us”. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Roberta Metsola
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels. Ms. Metsola and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed: Support for Belarus and non-recognition of the sham election. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Ms. Metsola for the European Parliament’s consistent and principled stance, including its resolution rejecting the legitimacy of the Lukashenka regime and its January […]
February 11, 2025
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with European Council President António Costa
The newly appointed President of the European Council, António Costa, met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Brussels, reaffirming full support for the democratic forces and the people of Belarus. He emphasized that the EU does not recognize Lukashenka’s fraudulent election and will continue to increase pressure on the regime. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the EU for its […]
February 11, 2025
Visit to Albania, Kościuszko Forum, sham election outcomes. Updates of work of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for February 3–9, 2025
KOŚCIUSZKO FORUM On February 3–4, the Kościuszko Forum took place in Gdańsk, Poland, organized by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of Poland’s EU Council Presidency. The event gathered foreign ministers from Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, and Ukraine, along with diplomats from over 15 countries. The forum was opened by Radosław Sikorski and Sviatlana […]
February 10, 2025