Фото: tsikhanouskaya.org
Head of the United Transitional Cabinet Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech at the International Summit on Human Rights and Democracy, calling on the international community to take decisive action against the Lukashenka regime and to strengthen support for Belarusian civil society.
During the panel “The Struggle for Democracy in Belarus,” the politician shared her family’s personal story, recalling that her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, spent five years in detention. She noted that more than 1,200 political prisoners are currently in a similar situation.
“While political prisoners in Belarus are suffering from the cold, ordinary Ukrainians are suffering because Russia is using winter cold as a weapon. The fates of Belarus and Ukraine are intertwined. When Belarus becomes free, Ukraine will be safer. When Ukraine wins, Belarus will have a chance. That is why our struggle matters not only to us,” she stressed.
Tsikhanouskaya pointed to the fundamental difference between the position of the Belarusian people and the actions of the regime, noting that Belarusians have sabotaged the aggressor’s military logistics and are fighting on Ukraine’s side as volunteers.
Addressing summit participants, the politician urged them to use the leverage at their disposal to isolate the regime. She emphasised the inadmissibility of normalising relations with Minsk and stressed that over thirty years in power, Alyaksandr Lukashenka has demonstrated the impossibility of an honest dialogue.
“Do not sacrifice principles for convenience. Do not forget the names of our prisoners. Demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners. Strengthen sanctions against those who torture and imprison. Support Belarusian civil society — independent journalists, human rights defenders, activists in exile and underground. Help prisoners’ families. Help children who are growing up without parents. And hold the regime accountable. Impunity breeds more violence. Silence gives permission,” she said.
In concluding her speech, Tsikhanouskaya called for global solidarity.
“I often think about the day when I will be able to return to Minsk with my family. I imagine a Belarus where no one is imprisoned for the question: ‘How are you living?’ This is not an excessive dream. This is a normal European country. Belarusians have shown incredible courage. They marched peacefully. They endured torture. They continue to resist. But courage alone is not enough. We need solidarity. We need you. One day, when Belarus is free, we will remember who stood with us — not only in our darkest hours, but all the way to the end. Stand with Belarus. Stand with Ukraine. Stand with freedom,” she said.