Stanislau Brykin, a citizen of Belarus, took his own life in a refugee shelter in Lithuania on March 4, 2025. He had fled Belarus with his family in 2022 after facing political persecution for participating in protests and a strike at Beltelecom. While his wife, Yuliya Brykina-Barysava, and their children later returned to Belarus, he remained in the EU. After her return, Yuliya appeared in a state propaganda film Aliens’ Sky. It remains unclear whether Stanislau knew about her involvement but activists speculate that learning of it could have influenced his tragic decision.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “What is happening is outrageous. Exploiting vulnerable people who trusted acquaintances or ‘journalists’ in hopes of receiving help and turning their stories into a propaganda tool is yet another proof that the regime has no regard for human lives. Those who found themselves in difficult circumstances precisely because of the regime’s actions deserve support and understanding – not to be used for a fabricated narrative about how ‘bad’ life is for exiles. It’s hard to imagine what the people in this film felt when they saw that their words, recorded under the pretense of assistance, ended up broadcast on state television.
Some of them say that the filming was allegedly done on behalf of my Office. But we would never put people at risk. Every initiative coming from my Office or done with our support strictly follows security principles. My team never mentions names without consent and never shares your personal data with anyone.
It is particularly important now to stay vigilant. If you participate in surveys, interviews, or aid projects – verify who you are dealing with. Check where the initiative is coming from and reach out to editorial teams to verify the journalists you communicate with. Don’t hesitate to say ‘no’ if something raises concerns. Stay safe, inform others about necessary security measures, and do not let anyone take advantage of your trust.
If someone contacts you claiming to represent Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, please verify through our official communication channels”.
