As part of the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the situation regarding nuclear weapons in Belarus and noted that there are no signs of a reduction in Russia’s military presence in the country. On the contrary, Russia is increasingly using Belarusian territory and economy for military purposes.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also discussed negotiations with the United States concerning the humanitarian release of political prisoners. She explained the approach to sanctions policy: United States sanctions are aligned with the humanitarian track focused on the release of political prisoners, while European sanctions are linked to broader political change and the overall liberation of Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that communication with Lukashenka must involve very strict conditions to avoid a situation in which the regime secures sanctions relief without a democratic change in Belarus: “The fact that the regime is persistently pushing for sanctions to be lifted shows that they are working”.
She called on the European Union for determination, unity, and continued cooperation with the democratic forces.
Photo: Meeting between Andrius Kubilius and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, January 13, 2024.
