VISIT TO KRAKÓW
On November 17–18, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kraków, where she held meetings with Mayor Aleksander Miszalski, City Council Chairman Jakub Kosek, as well as the Belarusian diaspora and cultural initiatives. During talks with the city leadership, the key needs of Belarusians were discussed. Kraków also hosted the 10th Open Eyes Economy Summit, an international forum dedicated to a value-based economy. In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that the future of the Belarusian economy requires a clear and responsible reform plan.
VISIT TO LONDON
On November 19–20, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited London, where she held a briefing for the All-Party Parliamentary Group “For Freedom and Democracy in Belarus”, attended by Chair Wendy Morton. She also participated in the public discussion “The Future of Belarus in a Peaceful Europe”, organized by the Center for European Reform and the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom. In addition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya attended the 2025 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards, where she was the Trustees Award laureate.
VISIT TO ESTONIA
On November 20–21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Estonia, where she met with President Alar Karis. They agreed to continue close cooperation in 2026, particularly in areas of international isolation of the regime, the release and support of political prisoners, and regional security. With Interior Minister Igor Taro, they discussed the military and political situation in Belarus, the Belarusian diaspora’s challenges, and further bilateral cooperation. During the meeting with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the discussions addressed the outcomes of the ministerial meeting in Brussels and the US proposals for ending the war in Ukraine. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also opened the international conference “Authoritarianism and Resistance: Lessons from Belarus and Georgia”.
RELEASE OF IMPRISONED UKRAINIAN CITIZENS
On November 22, 31 Ukrainian citizens were released from prison in Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement: “I welcome the release of 31 Ukrainian citizens held as hostages by the Belarus regime, including those who openly resisted Russia’s invasion. Their freedom was made possible thanks to the efforts of the US, as well as close coordination with Ukraine and the EU. I am truly happy that these families are reunited. We continue to fight for the release of all 1,300 political prisoners and for an end to repression”.
REOPENING OF LITHUANIA’S BORDER CROSSING POINTS
On November 19, Lithuania announced the early reopening of its border with Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on the decision: “I welcome Lithuania’s decision to reopen border crossing points earlier than originally planned. Open borders expand the opportunities for Belarusians to move freely, maintain family ties, and remain connected to Europe. To keep the borders open, the Lukashenka regime must stop its provocations and refrain from isolating our country from its neighbours”.
RELEASE OF BELARUSIAN CLERGY
On November 20, Catholic priests Fr. Henrykh (Henadz) Akalatovich and Fr. Andrzej Yukhnevich were released. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the release: “This is a truly important step that restores hope to their families, parishioners, and all those who prayed for their freedom. Their release is a reminder that solidarity, international attention, and action matter”.
COMMENT ON LUKASHENKA’S MEETING WITH SCIENTISTS
After dictator Lukashenka held a so-called “big conversation with scientists”, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Pavel Tereshkovich, explained why the state of Belarusian science today is not the result of “a lack of output from researchers” but a consequence of many years of dictatorial policy. He recalled Belarus’ positions in international rankings, chronic underfunding, archaic management models, and questionable personnel appointments.
FIRST RESIDENCE PERMIT ISSUED IN FINLAND BASED ON AN ALIEN TRAVEL DOCUMENT
For the first time following changes to Finnish legislation, a child was granted a residence permit based on an alien travel document. The necessary legal amendments were introduced thanks to the efforts of the democratic forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, and the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Tallinn, which systematically addressed this issue. The law now allows the requirement for travel documents to be waived in certain cases – when there is a significant reason or when it is in the child’s best interest.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ DAY
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, addressed students on the occasion of International Students’ Day: “I am proud of Belarusian students. You grew up in uncertainty and turned it into independence. You study, relocate, start businesses, learn new languages, change professions and countries – and still remain yourselves. You don’t wait for permission – you create your own future. Every course, every job, every small project you start is already changing Belarus. You prove that Belarusian youth are outstanding professionals, not people who wait”.
MEDIA
This week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to the following outlets: Sky News (the UK, international), The Times (the UK, international), The Times Radio (the UK, international), Financial Times (International), SBS (Australia), Euromaidan Press (International), Puls Krakowa (Poland), PAP (Poland), and Latika Takes (Australia).
