Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya participated in the International Impact Conference in Poznań, Poland. Over two days, speakers discuss current issues faced by Europe covering various aspects. In particular, politicians like Michelle Obama, Radosław Sikorski, and Sanna Marin, scientists like Timothy Snyder and Ivan Krastev, as well as bank executives, top athletes, and media and technology professionals share their views on regional problems and ways to solve them.
The Belarusian leader discussed the prospects of a political change in Belarus and answered questions.
Here are the main points about the situation in Belarus highlighted by Ms. Tsikhanouskaya in her speech:
📌 “Terror and repression. The situation in Belarus echoes that of Stalin’s era, with arbitrary arrests and constant uncertainty. The regime seeks to sow fear and desperation among the people through violence and Russification”.
📌 “Underground resistance and information warfare. Despite harsh repression, there is active underground resistance – including cyber activists and grassroots intelligence. Russian propaganda actively works to disorient people and create noise to confuse them”.
📌 “Lack of popular support for the authorities. Most Belarusians hate Lukashenka and are tired of his rule. His support is maintained by security and special services and pro-Russian bureaucrats”.
📌 “Political preferences. Surveys show that Lukashenka’s support is around 20%, while the majority of the population supports Belarus’ independence and improving relations with the EU. The vast majority oppose participation in the war and the stationing of nuclear weapons”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also outlined practical steps through which the European community can help Belarus:
✔️ Support for independent media and civil society;
✔️ Synchronization of pressure on the regime;
✔️ Visa support and integration;
✔️ Support for a European perspective for Belarus;
✔️ Cooperation with democratic forces;
✔️ Accountability for the regime through universal jurisdiction.
