During the second day of the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in a panel discussion titled “Belarus in Focus” to discuss the country’s future in the context of a new geopolitical reality. The event was also attended by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, US Senator Peter Welch, and Director of the Centre for East European and International Studies Gwendolyn Sasse.
Tsikhanouskaya outlined key priorities for international policy toward Belarus. Among them is the release of political prisoners without legitimising the regime. The politician stressed that around 300 people have already been released, but more than 1,000 remain behind bars, and the repressive machine continues to operate.
“Lukashenka is releasing people not because he has suddenly become humane, but because all these sanctions, this entire policy of pressure, isolation and non-recognition are currently working. And I am very grateful to our biggest allies, such as Lithuania, Poland and other countries, which have exerted pressure on the regime and supported Belarusians all these years.
That is why it is important to stress here that the humanitarian track is not equal to normalisation, recognition or legitimisation of Lukashenka. We must separate these tracks, because while Lukashenka is selling people, there are no changes in the country. He remains an illegitimate ruler who continues repression inside the country and carries out transnational repression. Therefore, our task is, of course, first and foremost to free people, but secondly, to free our country,” she said.
The democratic leader paid particular attention to the risk of losing sovereignty through military integration with Russia.
“Europe understands that as long as Lukashenka remains in power, this will be a constant threat to the security of the European Union’s borders. The Belarus issue must be part of all security negotiations in the region,” she stressed.
The head of the United Transitional Cabinet said that she currently sees “no desire whatsoever” in Europe to change its policy toward Belarus.
“Because I think Europe understands better that the Belarusian case is not only a political catastrophe or a humanitarian catastrophe in Belarus, but also a security issue. And Europe is very interested in an independent Belarus that is a reliable partner not only for Europe, but also for Ukraine.
And everyone in Europe understands that as long as Lukashenka is in power, this will be a constant threat to the security of the European Union’s borders, because we already see how the regime terrorises Lithuania, for example, with balloons violating airspace, or by sending migrants to the borders, or by holding Lithuanian trucks on Belarusian territory, or by building up Russian military presence in Belarus for possible escalation against Ukraine or against Europe. That is why I must repeat the strategic importance of a free and democratic Belarus for regional security,” she noted.
Tsikhanouskaya also stressed the need to support Belarusians in exile by ensuring them stable legal status, access to education, employment and banking services.
“Belarusians abroad are people under political persecution. They need stable legal status, travel documents, access to education, jobs and banking services. We need to balance pressure on the regime with support for people in order to remain a strong alternative to the ‘Russian world’ and to prepare a better future for Belarusians,” the politician said.
