Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held meetings with the chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the United States House of Representatives and Senate – Brian Mast (House) and Jim Risch (Senate), both representing the Republican Party.
The meetings took place during the Munich Security Conference, focusing on Ukraine peace negotiations and Belarus’ role in the process. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the discussions must also address the Belarusian issue, including the presence of Russian troops in the country and the need for a gradual transition of power.
Support for independent media and civil society was also on the agenda. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya proposed an exception for Belarus-related programs and the restoration of financial aid. Additionally, the talks addressed political prisoners, possible further steps for their release, and the prospects of appointing a special envoy for Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed gratitude to the United States for continued support. The parties agreed to work on holding a congressional hearing on the situation in Belarus and the US strategy toward the country.
The Belarusian leader also met with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic Party), Congressman Joe Wilson (Republican Party), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (Republican Party).
