Release of Political Prisoners and Belarus’s European Future Discussed at Tsikhanouskaya’s Meeting With Irish Prime Minister
Reform.news Editorial Team · 28 October 2026, 11:15
https://reform.news/en/release-of-political-prisoners-and-belarus-s-european-future-discussed-at-tsikhanouskaya-s-meeting-with-irish-prime-minister/The situation in Belarus, support for Ukraine, the release of political prisoners and Belarus’s European future were among the topics discussed at a meeting between Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Micheál Martin, the prime minister of Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.
According to Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, she briefed the Irish prime minister on the situation inside Belarus, the continuation of repression and the Lukashenka regime’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. They also discussed the development of cooperation between Belarusian democratic forces and Ukraine’s leadership, as well as the importance of including the Belarusian issue in future peace negotiations. Tsikhanouskaya also spoke about Belarusian volunteers fighting on Ukraine’s side and initiatives by Belarusian volunteers to support Ukrainians ahead of a cold winter, including fundraising for generators.
Particular attention was given to the release of political prisoners and assistance for those facing repression, including efforts by the US administration. Tsikhanouskaya stressed the need to continue working to secure the release of all political prisoners and maintain international pressure on the regime until genuine systemic changes take place in Belarus.
Tsikhanouskaya noted that it was very important for Belarusians to hear a clear message from EU leaders that Belarus is part of Europe and that its future lies within the European family. The Irish prime minister expressed his readiness to support this position, including at the upcoming European Political Community summit in Ireland.
The meeting also addressed support for the Belarusian diaspora, the legal status of Belarusians abroad and problems arising from expired passports. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Martin, the Irish government and the Irish people for their longstanding solidarity with and support for a democratic Belarus, as well as for supporting the International Humanitarian Fund and keeping the Belarusian issue on the agenda of the EU Council during Ireland’s presidency.
