While most international attention is, understandably, currently focused on the Iran war and, to a much lesser extent, on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the free Belarus movement, continues to remind the world about the need for regime change in Minsk and the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with Kyiv.
Here are some of her latest comments posted on her X site, @Tsihanouskaya
First, concerning Iran.
“Belarusians stand with the free people of Iran – not with the oppressive regime. The Iranian people deserve peace, full respect for human rights, and the long-awaited freedom they so deeply deserve.” (Feb 28)
“The events in Iran send a message to Lukashenka and dictators everywhere that no one escapes justice. Power built on violence, repression, and terror always collapses in the end. The courage of the Iranian people will outlive the murderous regime. Freedom will win.” (March 1)
On Ukraine.
“Freedom is never just about one nation. Defending Ukraine means defending Belarus and all of Europe. Ukraine’s resilience protects our shared security, our shared values, and the future of a free continent. A free Ukraine brings us closer to a free Belarus.” (March 3)
Photo by @Tsihanouskaya
“I am always happy to speak with world media about our fight for freedom. As I told Switzerland’s @tagesanzeiger, the fate of Belarus is inseparable from that of Ukraine. A free Belarus is not only about justice for our people – it is essential for Europe’s security.” (March 4)
“In Warsaw, I met with Belarusian volunteers and activists who have fought for Ukraine. Their courage proves that Belarusians are not accomplices in this war, but a nation standing against Russian aggression. Belarusians are fighting for Ukraine’s freedom and for Belarus’s future.” (Feb. 27)
On Belarus
“Do not confuse Belarus with Russia. Do not confuse the Belarusian people with the regime that oppresses them. Belarus is Europe. Our history and culture are European. Our future is in a free Europe. A democratic Belarus will make Europe stronger, safer, and more united.” (March 2)
“In today’s Belarus, people are detained simply for helping one another. But solidarity is stronger than fear. Belarusians continue to support each other in so many ways. This courage inspires me every day. Repression will not defeat us.” (March 2)
“Since 2020, at least 36 Ukrainians have faced politically motivated prosecution in Belarus, reports @viasna96 Those who were released describe torture and inhumane conditions, similar to Russia’s treatment of 🇺🇦 prisoners of war. We share our fight for freedom with Ukraine.” (March 2)
On March 4 Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya reposted EPP Group @EPPGroup
“Today in the European Parliament, @EPPGroup MEPs will host the “8+100 Democratic Belarus Forum.” It is a key platform uniting Belarusian democratic forces and European partners in support of freedom, human rights, and political prisoners.
The 8+100 Forum brings together eight Belarusian democratic political parties dismantled by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, yet still active thanks to the commitment of their members and supporters, many of whom remain in Belarus despite repression.
The Forum unites Belarusian democratic forces as the true representatives of the Belarusian people.
As the regime of Alexander Lukashenko continues its repression, terror, and the silencing of dissent, the democratic opposition and civil society remain determined, resilient, and united.
This Forum will focus on:
- Coordinating a common strategy towards the regime in Minsk
- The human rights situation and the fate of political prisoners
- Supporting Belarusians in exile
- Responding to the shifting international context
We will hear first-hand testimonies, engage with new research on the internal and external dynamics of Belarus, and discuss concrete solutions to strengthen democratic forces.
Belarus is not Lukashenko. Belarus is its people.
Stand with the democratic opposition. Stand for freedom.”
Thank you, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, for your solidarity with Ukraine and other victims of despotism and foreign domination, and your indefatigable spirit and commitment.