Джорджа Мелони и Светлана Тихановская, Дублин, 12 ноября 2026 года. Фото: t.me/tsikhanouskaya
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discussed the Russian-Ukrainian war, the future of European security and the release of Belarusian political prisoners with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The meeting took place on November 12 on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Dublin.
The democratic opposition leader stressed that Belarus must not become a bargaining chip in peace negotiations or remain under Russian control, and that peace in Ukraine must be just and lasting. She said a new division of Europe into spheres of influence, which would leave Belarus under Russian control, must be prevented.
“We must not give in to the demands of dictators. Europe must set clear conditions and firmly uphold its principles. Belarus must not become a bargaining chip in negotiations. There can be no lasting peace and security in our region without an independent Belarus,” the politician said.
Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the importance of US humanitarian efforts to secure the release of political prisoners and called for continued support for this process. At the same time, she stressed that the release of individual prisoners was not enough. The goal must be to secure the release of all political prisoners and end repression in Belarus.
The politician thanked Italy for its support for democratic Belarus and Ukraine, as well as for defending European interests and values.
“We Belarusians are Europeans too, and we greatly value Italy’s role. We are connected not only by shared values but also by a common future. Many Belarusians live in Italy, where there is an active diaspora and a Belarusian centre. For decades, Italian families have hosted Belarusian children for recuperation programmes. Today, Italy continues to support our struggle for freedom. We do not forget this,” Tsikhanouskaya stressed.