VISIT TO STRASBOURG
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made a visit to Strasbourg, where she met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset; participated in a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe; and attended a briefing with the ambassadors of the Committee of Ministers. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on EU countries to increase support for Belarusians – from solving visa and legal documents issues to facilitating the release of political prisoners, strengthening sanctions, and countering transnational repression.
ADDRESS ON THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FULL-SCALE WAR IN UKRAINE
February 24 marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. On this occasion, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released an address: “We Belarusians are on the side of Ukraine, not the aggressor. We, like Ukraine, are part of Europe, not the ‘Russian world’. And together, we can achieve freedom and peace for our peoples. Together, we can achieve justice and hold the guilty accountable”.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya laid flowers at the Taras Shevchenko Monument in Warsaw, and Belarusians joined solidarity rallies around the world in support of Ukraine.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled current fundraising efforts to support volunteer fighters, initiatives, and those affected by the war.
MEETING WITH BELARUSIAN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Warsaw with representatives of Belarusian educational and academic initiatives to discuss support for independent education and science, residency issues, accreditation, integration into the Polish system, and the needs of researchers, teachers, and children in exile. She emphasized that preserving the Belarusian language, schools, and academic community is important for the country’s future and affirmed her readiness to advocate for the needs of educational initiatives at the international level.
MEETING WITH SPECIAL ENVOYS OF THE BALTIC STATES
On February 23, representatives of the democratic forces of Belarus met in Vilnius with the special envoys of the Baltic states – Asta Andrijauskienė (Lithuania), Karmen Laus (Estonia), and Gunta Pastore (Latvia). The parties discussed the work plans of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office for the coming period, priority areas of cooperation with the Baltic states, coordination within the Nordic–Baltic Eight format, and support for political prisoners and repressed individuals, as well as educational, environmental, and social initiatives, including preparations for the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.
ANOTHER RUSSIAN DRONE IN BELARUSIAN AIRSPACE
On February 27, another Russian military drone flew over Belarusian skies. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement: “While Lukashenka flies to meet Putin, Russian aggression hangs over the heads of our children and parents. They have stolen our peaceful sky and are using it in the war against Ukraine”.
MEETING WITH NGOs SUPPORTING POLITICAL PRISONERS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Warsaw with representatives of NGOs that provide assistance to political prisoners. The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate cooperation among the organizations. Participants discussed the state of funding for emergency and long-term support, issues related to departure from Belarus, legal stay problems, the risk of renewed persecution, available housing resources, and medical and psychological rehabilitation for those released.
PRESENTATION OF THE LUSTRATION CONCEPT AND THE INSTITUTE OF NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE
On February 27, the Lustration Concept for Belarus and the Concept for the Establishment of the Institute of National Remembrance were presented in Vilnius. The event was organized by the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in cooperation with the European Dialogue Center. Belarusian and international experts participated in the event. The discussion emphasized that justice cannot be achieved and a sustainable democratic state cannot be built without establishing the truth, opening the archives, and providing institutional recognition of past violations.
MEETING WITH BELARUSIAN VOLUNTEER FIGHTERS AND ACTIVISTS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Representative for Defense and National Security of the United Transitional Cabinet, Vadzim Kabanchuk, held a meeting in Warsaw with Belarusian volunteers and activists who have fought on Ukraine’s side. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked them for their contribution to the fight against Russian aggression and emphasized that their position demonstrates the true role of Belarusians in the region. The parties also discussed strategic cooperation with Ukraine, residency issues, social guarantees, and support for Belarusian veterans and their families.
WORLD NGO DAY
February 27 marked World NGO Day. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians: “Over the past month, I have met with many organizations and their representatives, and I am sincerely impressed by how you continue to stand strong and carry on your work. I would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of you”.
VISIT TO DOM TVORCAU
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the Dom Tvorcau (House of Creators) space in Warsaw. She met with the space’s Chair and Founder, Siarhei Douhushau, and members of the Belarusian cultural community to discuss the development of the space and support for repressed artists. They discussed cooperation, grant support, and future plans. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the role of such initiatives in preserving and developing Belarusian culture in exile.
MEDIA
AP News (International), PAP (Poland), PAP (Poland), Belsat (Belarus), Belsat (Belarus), Euroradio (Belarus), Foreign Policy (International), Euroradio (Belarus), ARD Radio (International), The World (International), EpochTimes.sk (Slovakia), LIGA.net (Ukraine), The World News Radio (International).
