Tsikhanouskaya Discusses Release Of Political Prisoners And Sanctions In New York

Reform.news Editorial Team · 22 September 2026, 16:17

https://reform.news/en/tsikhanouskaya-discusses-release-of-political-prisoners-and-sanctions-in-new-york/

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a series of meetings with representatives of European countries, the United States and international organisations on the first day of her visit to New York to attend the 81st UN General Assembly, the politician’s office reported.

The leader of the democratic forces met with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Czech President Petr Pavel, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Tsikhanouskaya also held meetings with US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and Secretary General of the European External Action Service Kajsa Ollongren.

The meeting with Kallas focused on the release of political prisoners, an end to repression in Belarus, maintaining sanctions pressure on the Belarusian regime and support for civil society. Tsikhanouskaya also discussed further US policy towards Belarus and the work of the Free Belarus Caucus in the US Congress with Jeanne Shaheen.

“I see unity among countries on issues concerning Belarus. This is very important. It is very important to distinguish Belarusians from the regime, and Belarus from Russia. When isolating the regime, it is important not to isolate Belarusians. And I see that this is well understood,” Tsikhanouskaya said following the meetings.