International partners play a crucial role in supporting the democratic forces of Belarus. Democratic countries have refrained from appointing ambassadors to Minsk due to the Lukashenka regime’s illegitimacy.
At the same time, some of them have appointed special envoys or ambassadors-at-large to maintain engagement with the democratic forces’ institutions.
How do countries work with Belarus’ democratic forces?
Each country employs its own approach based on its diplomatic practices and resources.
- Special representatives in Vilnius. Appointed by the country’s foreign ministry, these representatives are stationed in Vilnius. This approach is implemented by countries like Estonia and the US, which both established dedicated units in their embassies in Lithuania to deal with Belarus affairs.
- Special envoys based in national capitals. Countries like Poland, France, Sweden, Latvia, and Ukraine use this model.
- Non-resident embassies. These embassies operate from neighboring countries, such as Poland or Lithuania, as seen with Norway, Ireland, Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands.
- Accredited ambassadors in Lithuania: Some ambassadors accredited in Lithuania also work with the democratic forces of Belarus, like those from Italy and Spain.
About 20 countries currently support Belarus through special representatives, with more expected to follow.
What do special envoys do?
These diplomats act as a bridge between Belarus and the governments of their respective countries. They are the primary point of contact for addressing bilateral issues, including:
- Developing policies that distinguish between the regime and the Belarusian people;
- Supporting political prisoners and their families;
- Facilitating the legalization of stay for Belarusians abroad;
- Enhancing mobility for Belarusians through visas and scholarships.
How do they contribute to cooperation with Belarus’ democratic forces?
While special envoys report to their respective governments, they often attend official meetings during Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visits and participate in briefings organized by her Office.
If you need to get in touch with a special envoy, email askoffice@tsikhanouskaya.org or contact the Telegram chatbot @AskOffice_Bot.
Below is the list of special envoys:
Lithuania
Ambassador Asta Andrijauskiene
Ukraine
Ambassador Ihor Kyzym
Estonia
Mr. Marko Koplimaa
Norway
Norwegian Embassy in Lithuania
Sweden
Ambassador Christina Johannesson
France
Ambassador Violaine Billette de Villemeur
Denmark
Ambassador Grete Sillasen
Poland
Adam Hałaciński
United States
Belarus Affairs Unit, Vilnius
Iceland
Ambassador Hermann Ingolfsson
Latvia
Ambassador Gunta Pastore
Finland
Ambassador Jaakko Lehtovirta (acting)
Canada
Ambassador Catherine Godin
Ireland
Ambassador Seadhna MacHugh
Italy
Ambassador Emanuele de Maigret
Netherlands
Ambassador Jennes de Mol
Malta
Ambassador Marisa Farrugia
Germany
Mr. Robin Wagener
Spain
Ambassador Nieves Blanco
Czech Republic
Ambassador Aleš Opata