On March 9, 2026, representatives of the UK government and the democratic forces of Belarus held consultations at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in London. The meeting brought together officials from the FCDO and representatives of Belarusian democratic institutions, civil society, and expert communities to exchange views, strengthen cooperation, and identify practical next steps to support democratic change in Belarus.
The UK delegation was led by the Director of the FCDO Eastern Europe and Central Asia Department, Chris Allan, while the Belarusian delegation was headed by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka.
During the consultations, participants discussed developments inside Belarus and the challenges facing Belarusian society under continued repression. They focused on the situation of political prisoners, ongoing political persecution, and the need to maintain international pressure on the regime. Representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces also outlined their priorities for the democratic transition, institutional preparedness, and strengthening democratic resilience.
The second session addressed security issues, including the regional security environment, the regime’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and broader risks stemming from the militarization of Belarus. Participants exchanged views on how international partners can address emerging security challenges and support a sovereign and democratic future for Belarus.
Another key discussion focused on human rights and social policy, including the long-term social consequences of repression and forced exile for Belarusian families. Participants highlighted the psychological and economic challenges faced by Belarusians in exile, including issues related to legal status, labor market access, and social protection.
The consultations also addressed the role of culture, diaspora communities, and independent media in sustaining Belarusian democratic identity and resilience. Participants discussed the growing Belarusian diaspora since 2020, the challenges faced by communities abroad, and ways to strengthen cultural engagement, youth participation, and cooperation between Belarusian and British partners.
The discussion paid particular attention to the information environment around Belarus, including the work of independent media operating in exile, the spread of propaganda and disinformation by the regime, and strategies to support sustainable journalism and counter hostile narratives. Independent media representatives also demonstrated their impact on audiences in Belarus, noting that 70% of the audience of exiled media outlets is inside the country.
This was the second round of consultations between the UK’s FCDO and the democratic forces of Belarus. The previous session of consultations took place on March 21, 2025, in London.
Participants from the Belarusian side included:
- Franak Viacorka, Chief Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya;
- Leanid Marozau, Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya;
- Irina McLean, Representation for Social Policy of the United Transitional Cabinet;
- Irena Katsialovich, Representation for National Revival of the United Transitional Cabinet;
- Maryia A., Belarusian Council for Culture;
- Vlad Kobets, iSANS;
- Matsvei Kupreichyk, BelPol;
- Hanna Liubakova, Atlantic Council;
- Alina Koushyk, Belsat TV;
- Mikalai Pachkayeu, Association of Belarusians in the United Kingdom;
- Alena Karastsialiova, Institute for Global Sustainable Development;
- Aliaksandra Pushkina, Zerkalo.
