Фото: Офис Тихановской
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has held talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. According to Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the discussion focused on key issues of international politics and the situation in Belarus.
The parties discussed possible scenarios in the context of peace negotiations aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that the fate of Belarus also depends on the outcome of these talks.
“For Belarusians it is important that peace be achieved on Ukraine’s terms, so that any agreements ensure that Belarus regains its sovereignty and does not remain under Russia’s control. Russian troops and nuclear weapons must be withdrawn from Belarusian territory,” she said.
Tsikhanouskaya also urged Germany and the European Union to support Belarus’s independence.
The sides discussed the humanitarian dimension of the negotiations between the United States and the Belarusian authorities, including progress on the release of political prisoners. According to Tsikhanouskaya, the democratic forces are in contact with the new special envoy John Coale. Human rights organisations and democratic structures have prepared the necessary infrastructure to receive released political prisoners. Tsikhanouskaya noted that many of those released are in a severe condition and require support, including rehabilitation.
Tsikhanouskaya and Wadephul discussed ways to hold the regime accountable. She called for continued pressure until all repression stops and all political prisoners are freed. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the deteriorating situation in Belarus and the isolation of political prisoners kept in incommunicado conditions.
Hybrid attacks on Poland and Lithuania were also discussed, along with the need for a firm response, including through sanctions.
Tsikhanouskaya emphasised the importance of Germany continuing to issue visas, including multiple-entry ones, expressing gratitude for this. She noted that mobility is crucial for Belarusians to maintain ties with each other and with the European Union.
Tsikhanouskaya called for further support for independent media, civil society, and cultural initiatives, including the Belarusian Forum for Historical Studies, through German foundations and programmes.
She thanked the minister for his firm political stance, his support for Ukraine and democratic Belarus, the cooperation of the German Foreign Ministry with the democratic forces, and support for independent journalists and human rights initiatives — including Libereco — as well as support for the Belarusian service of Deutsche Welle and the International Platform for Collecting Evidence of the Regime’s Crimes.