BELARUS–USA STRATEGIC DIALOGUE
The second round of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States government and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Vilnius. The meeting was chaired by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Christopher Smith, and the National Leader of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Representatives of Belarusian democratic institutions, civil society, human rights organizations, and media outlets also attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on:
- Political prisoners
- Civil society and media
- Accountability for the regime’s crimes:
- National identity
- Exchange programs
- Sanctions
- The 2025 sham election
The US government and the democratic forces of Belarus launched their Strategic Dialogue in 2023. View the outcomes of its previous sessions here and here.
View photos from the meeting at the link.
BELARUSIAN–LITHUANIAN CONFERENCE
The conference “Belarus–Lithuania: Into the Future Through Shared Values” took place in Vilnius, aiming to foster dialogue for Belarus’ European integration, identify effective ways to combat disinformation, and enhance Belarus–Lithuania cooperation. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks: “The Lukashenka regime seeks vulnerabilities to undermine our solidarity. We must stand united against provocations”.
The conference was organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Wilfried Martens Center for European Studies with the participation of the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
View photos from the conference at the link.
UNITED STATES PRIORITIES VIS-A-VIS BELARUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, and Advisor on Constitutional Reform and Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, held an official visit to the United States, meeting with key representatives of the US government, including the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, State Department officials, and Republican Congress members close to Donald Trump. The parties mainly discussed new tools to achieve the release of political prisoners, legislative support for Belarus, and advocacy for Belarus in the Senate.
BELARUS DAYS IN BRUSSELS
Belarus Days will take place in Brussels from December 9 to 13, organized by the European External Action Service and the European Commission in cooperation with the European Parliament. A series of events will be held as part of the 4th session of the EU Consultative Group for Belarus’ democratic forces, bringing together over 100 representatives of the democratic forces, civil society, independent media, and human rights organizations alongside the political leadership of EU institutions and international organizations.
FREE BELARUSIANS CONGRESS
The Free Belarusians Congress titled “Belarusians Deserve Better” will take place in Warsaw on January 26. It will feature:
- Discussions between political leaders and activists.
- A Q&A session.
- Performances by famous Belarusian musicians and artists.
- Presentations of Belarusian NGOs and initiatives. New partnerships and opportunities.
Registration is available through the online form.
YAUHEN MURAVITSKI’S RELEASE IN GEORGIA
Yauhen Muravitski, a Belarusian citizen detained on November 30 in Tbilisi and at risk of deportation, has left Georgia and is now safe in Lithuania. This was made possible through the swift efforts of Lithuanian human rights defenders, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, and Belarusian human rights organizations.
UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT BELARUS IN AUSTRIA
Austria updated its information bulletin about Belarus, which is used in asylum and immigration procedures. It previously remained out of date from 2020 to September 2024. All this time, decisions on requests for asylum were made based on old data that did not take into account the post-election repression. The updated document contains relevant and accurate information about the situation in Belarus.
EQUALITY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION SEMINAR
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, Leanid Marozau, delivered opening remarks as part of a seminar organized by the Council of Europe in Vilnius. The event aimed to support Belarus’ democratic forces and civil society actors in strengthening their understanding of, and advocacy for, equality and anti‑discrimination, in line with EU acquis and Council of Europe standards.
2025 SHAM ELECTION
The democratic forces of Belarus continue preparations for the 2025 sham election, calling on other countries not to recognize its results. 37 OSCE countries adopted a joint statement, noting that a free and fair election is impossible given the situation in Belarus, therefore the 2025 campaign cannot be recognized. The International Democracy Union (IDU) also issued a resolution.
The United Transitional Cabinet Representative for Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, held a meeting of youth organizations to discuss the sham election. 3 key projects were developed to involve young people in the democratic forces’ activities ahead of the campaign, which will be implemented in the next two months.
The Honest People NGO released a video in which the democratic forces explain the farcical nature of the regime’s campaign and suggest possible ways to respond to it.
DEMOCRATIC FORCES IN THE PACE
A delegation from Belarus’ democratic forces, including members of the Coordination Council, will be represented in PACE for the first time in late January. The Lukashenka regime has never had an official delegation in this significant European body.
Marharyta Vorykhava explained in a video:
- What makes this achievement so remarkable?
- Why is the democratic forces’ participation in PACE important?
- What does this mean for Belarusians?
PUTIN IN MINSK
On December 6, Putin was reported to be visiting Minsk. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on his visit: “Putin’s visit to Minsk is not about security – it’s about tightening Russia’s grip on our country. Deploying new weapons and using Belarus as a pawn in his imperial ambitions endangers us all. Belarusians deserve freedom, not occupation”.
WHY THE EU MUST STAND WITH BELARUS
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, and the National Leader of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, co-authored an op-ed, explaining why the EU needs to remain steadfast in its support for the Belarusian people.
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY
International Volunteer Day was celebrated on December 5.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusian volunteers: “I admire each and every one of you. You give us inspiration and support. Your work is not only tangible help to those in need but also a reminder of how important it is to remain human, even in the most difficult circumstances”.
The Head of Public Outreach at Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, Daniil Garkavy, thanked the volunteers for their contribution to the civil society’s efforts – and explained why volunteer work is an integral part of a conscious society.
Belarusian volunteers recorded a video for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, sharing their experiences, talking about the importance of their work, and inspiring others to join the movement. Their stories demonstrate how Belarusians make the world more humane and sympathetic.
ALGORITHM IN CASE OF DETENTION ABROAD
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office prepared an algorithm of actions for Belarusians in case of detention in Georgia, Turkey, or Armenia.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by BelSat (Belarus), TVP World (Poland, international), Reflex (Czech Republic), TVO Today (Canada), and RFI (France).
