Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Vilnius with ambassadors and heads of missions from 25 countries accredited in Lithuania. The now-traditional meeting with the diplomatic corps was organized by the Embassy of Poland, which currently holds the EU Presidency.
The discussions during the briefing covered:
- The situation of political prisoners in Belarus and the efforts to secure their release;
- The military and political situation in the region;
- Potential negotiations on Ukraine;
- Support for independent media;
- Challenges faced by Belarusians in exile.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya shared the outcomes of the Munich Security Conference and the World Economic Forum, outlined the plans of the democratic forces, and expressed gratitude to diplomats and the international community for their solidarity and support. She also thanked the new United States administration for its efforts in securing the release of political prisoners.
On the release of political prisoners
“We have all heard discussions about the possible release of political prisoners in exchange for the suspension of some US sanctions. In this context, we must view sanctions as a tool. If the regime truly releases political prisoners and stops repression, some US sanctions could be eased or suspended – but not lifted. If repression continues and intensifies, sanctions must become even stricter. Meanwhile, all European sanctions must remain unchanged until the situation changes”.
On the ongoing repression
“Unfortunately, the repression machinery continues to operate against Belarusians both inside the country and beyond its borders. The regime is now targeting the families of those in exile, including relatives of people who took part in solidarity rallies following this year’s sham election. The regime is also increasingly arresting foreign nationals to use them as bargaining chips. Diplomatic mission staff and citizens of several countries remain in prison – they are the regime’s hostages”.
On the results of the sham election
“Regarding the so-called ‘election’, I want to thank each of your governments for refusing to recognize this farce. For the first time, this non-recognition came even before election day as the Lukashenka regime didn’t even attempt to imitate competition or vote counting. The regime failed to legitimize itself – neither in the eyes of Belarusians nor the international community. This farce changes nothing for the world or for us. We continue working to achieve a change in our country, preserve our independence, and protect Belarusians’ interests”.
On negotiations regarding Ukraine
“The negotiations are not just about Ukraine. They affect the entire region: Belarus, Moldova, and the security of all of Europe. The issue of Belarus must be included in the discussions. And if we are not present at the table, we hope that your governments and the European Union will be our voice. That is why we advocate for the European Union to be part of the negotiations”.
