Фото: Офис Тихановской
On June 2, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London.
Tsikhanouskaya thanked the United Kingdom for its consistent support for democratic Belarus and for sanctions imposed on the Lukashenka regime. She stressed that support for a democratic Belarus is important for the security of all of Europe. The leader of the Belarusian democratic forces noted that Belarusian society remains pro-European and anti-war, while independent media and civil society help Belarusians inside the country receive truthful information and maintain ties with Europe.
The sides discussed the current situation in Belarus and the continuation of repression in the country, as well as issues related to the release and support of political prisoners. They also discussed the need to support independent media and civil society, the Office of Tsikhanouskaya reported.
The parties also touched upon support for Ukraine, the role of a democratic Belarus in European security, the dependence of the Lukashenka regime on Russia, the regime’s responsibility for crimes, including in the context of the abduction of Ukrainian children and international justice mechanisms, as well as the coordination of UK and EU policy toward Belarus, including on sanctions.
Tsikhanouskaya stressed the importance of raising the Belarusian issue at international forums, including within the G7 and G20.
The leader of the Belarusian democratic forces noted Starmer’s role in creating the “Coalition of the Willing” in support of Ukraine and emphasized that a democratic Belarus is ready to become part of international support efforts for Ukraine.
In addition, Tsikhanouskaya called on the United Kingdom to join the International Humanitarian Fund.
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the United Kingdom for their principled position on Belarus. It is very important for us that London continues to support Belarusian society and does not recognize the legitimacy of the Lukashenka regime.
Support for a democratic Belarus is an investment in the security of all of Europe. Belarus must not remain in Russia’s shadow or become a bargaining chip in international negotiations. Belarusians want to live in a free, independent, and European country.
Today it is important that our partners continue to support political prisoners, independent media, civil society, and everyone who helps preserve Belarus’s connection with Europe,” Tsikhanouskaya said.