During their visit to Warsaw, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski met with Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski. They discussed next steps in supporting democratic Belarus and Belarusians in exile, as well as coordination between Polish institutions and representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya praised the launch of an inter-ministerial working group, which is expected to hold its first meeting soon.
Siarhei Tsikhanouski shared his experience of being imprisoned, described the torture he endured, and spoke about the meaning of continuing resistance. He stressed that the goal should be the release of individual political prisoners and the end of repression altogether, since while some are released, others are being detained. He called for a consistent policy of pressure and delegitimization of the Lukashenka regime.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Mr. Sikorski for his personal attention to the issue of political prisoners – including the case of Andrzej Poczobut – and for becoming Siarhei’s symbolic “godfather” during his imprisonment, meaning his political guardian. She also expressed gratitude for Poland’s support of the Kosciuszko Forum and for advancing cultural diplomacy as a political tool, including events such as the Ivulin Cup, the Free Kupalaucy Theater, the Free Choir, and more.
She also noted the important role of Adam Hałaciński – former Polish Ambassador to Sweden – who, in November 2024, was appointed by the Foreign Minister as the Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with Belarus’ Democratic Forces.
At the end of the meeting, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated Poland on the conclusion of its Presidency of the EU Council and the start of its Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. She also invited the Polish side to issue a video or public statement marking the fifth anniversary of the August 9 protests, as a sign of solidarity with Belarusians who continue their resistance.
