On March 21, the first-ever Strategic Consultations between the UK government and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in London. The consultations were launched by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 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 Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski.
A total of 12 UK representatives participated in the meeting – a significant delegation, including experts specializing in Belarus and the broader region.
Let us answer the key questions about the Strategic Consultations.
What is the main goal? The Strategic Consultations aim to make Belarus a priority in the UK’s international policy, ensuring greater political and financial support.
What was on the agenda?
- Political situation and human rights. The discussions addressed the regime’s transnational repression against Belarusians. Participants in this panel included Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, and Alexey Leonchik of ByHelp.
- Culture and the Belarusian diaspora. Engagement opportunities were discussed with Belarusian civil society in exile. Speakers included Nadzeya Haretskaya of the Belarusian Council for Culture and the Deputy Representative for Social Policy of the United Transition Cabinet, Irina McLean.
- Media and countering propaganda. Journalist Hanna Liubakova and the Head of the Belarusian Solidarity Center, Vlad Kobets, highlighted the importance of supporting independent Belarusian media.
All discussions were framed within the broader context of European security.
What are the outcomes? Working groups were established on critical issues, with agreements for biannual meetings.
Why are these Strategic Consultations important?
- The UK’s leading role. The UK plays a key role in supporting democracy in Belarus.
- Unprecedented level of engagement. This is the first time Belarus has received dedicated consultations at this level, marking a new phase in the relations between the UK and democratic Belarus.
- A foreign policy priority. Democratic Belarus could become one of the UK’s major priorities in international affairs.
It is worth highlighting that on March 21, the All-Party Group “For Freedom and Democracy in Belarus” was established in the UK Parliament, bringing together 24 MPs.
For years, the United Kingdom has supported Belarus across various areas. It has taken practical action in support of Belarus.
- The UK has allocated £2.5 million to support Belarus.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was invited to the European Political Community (EPC), providing her with a platform to advocate for Belarus and promote its agenda on key international stages.
It is also important to recall that the UK refused to recognize the so-called election in Belarus held in January 2025. The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, stated:
“The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko’s cynical pretense of democracy in Belarus, while in reality, he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power.
The UK, alongside our partners, will continue to stand by the people of Belarus and expose those who deny them their legitimate right to freedom and democracy”.
