The Belarusian leader spoke at the Atlantic Council’s Global Future Forum, an annual gathering of leaders and experts from various countries, dedicated to discussing and analyzing global challenges. In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the global nature of the struggle for freedom and democracy, calling for solidarity with the people fighting against dictatorial regimes.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya:
“Thank you, dear Adrienne, for your kind words. It’s an honor to be introduced by such a powerful woman.
I always say that in times of war and crisis, more women in public life will mean more empathy, humanity, and wisdom in our decisions.
I know that I am among friends today. People who not just believe in a better future, but take action to make it happen.
I’d like to thank our dear host, the Atlantic Council, for always standing with those who fight for freedom, and for your commitment to democratic Belarus. Ambassador Herbst, Shelby, the whole team – thank you!
In 2020, when our protests sparked, you were among the first who raised the alarm. This is where the world must watch! You promised to support our fight for freedom no matter how long it takes, and you kept your word.
Because you understand that the fight for freedom is a global one.
If there is one thing we have learned in the last few years, it is that when freedom is under attack in one country, it is under threat everywhere. From Ukraine to Iran, Venezuela to Cuba, the fight for freedom connects us all.
The fight for democracy is often romanticized. You may remember the inspiring pictures of mass protests in Belarus when hundreds of thousands took to the streets. We remember those fearless women, with bunches of flowers, leading the protest.
However, there is a darker picture of this fight. Because the road to freedom is paved with pain, tears, and suffering. This is reality.
Fighting for freedom is about personal sacrifice. And we must always remember about all those who pay the big price for values we share so dearly.
As we speak, thousands of Belarusians are behind bars. Every single day, dozens of people are being detained and tortured. Just because they dared to speak the truth. Just because they wanted Belarus free and democratic.
Many political prisoners are being held incommunicado. With no connection to the outside world. For over 500 days, I did not hear a single word about my husband. And I don’t even know if he is alive.
He was sentenced to 19 years just because he dared to challenge a dictator.
Or take Maryia Kalesnikava, who became a symbol of women’s resistance in 2020. She is literally dying in prison. She weighs 45 kilos now because of bad prison food. She can’t recover after a serious surgical operation.
Or take Ales Bialiatski, our Nobel laureate. The regime is torturing him by not providing essential medication. Just before being arrested, he called for national dialogue, he called on authorities to speak to the people. Arresting him was the regime’s answer.
The dictator did not want the dialogue. And the only language he knows is a language of violence. For more than four years, the regime in Minsk hasn’t stopped taking revenge on people. There is no family not affected by repression. Many have been torn apart. Hundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homeland.
The regime thought that violence could silence people. But instead, it sparked a fire that still burns strong. And every day, Belarusians continue to resist.
Some underground, and some in exile—still fighting for our freedom. We cannot be silenced, and our fight for freedom can not be stopped.
Fight for freedom is not a sprint, it is a marathon. They say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. Our fight needs allies. Many of them are in this room today.
As dictators are building alliances, and are learning from each other, we must stay united too. We must work together to safeguard and empower democracy.
It means we must stand principled and firm against injustice wherever it appears. When one nation’s freedom is trampled, it sends a signal to every tyrant: You can get away with it.
It means we must punish all those who crush freedoms, no matter where it happens. We need sanctions to be tightened. Not because sanctions are perfect, but because they are necessary.
It means to protect our democratic institutions. Believe me, freedom is so easy to lose, and so hard to get back.
It means to show solidarity and empathy with all those who suffer from cruel regimes. It means supporting civil society and human rights defenders.
It also means to support independent media and journalists who risk their lives to keep the truth alive. Sometimes words are more powerful than weapons. And dictators are afraid of the truth.
It also means standing with the brave people of Ukraine, fighting for their freedom against an imperialist war machine. Sometimes, I hear – “Oh, it’s their war.” No. It’s our common war for freedom.
Supporting brave people of Ukraine, or supporting Belarus is not just a charity. It is an investment in global peace and security.
Dear friends,
The road to freedom may be paved with pain, it may be long and challenging. But it is much easier to walk it when we walk it together.
As history shows, tyrannies fall down when no one expects it. But we can and we must bring this moment closer. And we must be prepared for that.
I don’t know how long our fight will last, but I do know this: when democracy wins in one place, it inspires change everywhere.
I do believe that together we can win this global fight for freedom.
Thank you. Long live Belarus, long live freedom!”
