The Resilient Fight for Democracy: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Journey

The Unyielding Spirit of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Unyielding Spirit of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko once dismissed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as merely a “housewife.” However, in the tumultuous political landscape of Belarus, she emerged as his most formidable opponent when she entered the presidential race in 2020. Now living in exile, Tsikhanouskaya continues to champion the cause of a free and democratic Belarus. During a recent interview with Euronews in Berlin, her strong personality shone through, as did her deep longing for her homeland.

The Resilient Fight for Democracy: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Journey

“I miss everything. I miss my apartment, which was our family’s cherished nest. I miss my husband,” Tsikhanouskaya said, her words punctuated by a heavy sigh.

The Resilient Fight for Democracy: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Journey

The Rise of a Challenger

In 2020, Tsikhanouskaya’s husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, initially sought to run for the presidency of Belarus. However, his abrupt arrest propelled Sviatlana to step into his place, challenging Lukashenko’s entrenched power. After the elections were widely regarded as fraudulent, Tsikhanouskaya was forced to flee Belarus, leaving behind everything she knew. “In 2020, at least half a million people fled Belarus due to rampant repression,” she recalled. “But those who leave don’t simply become foreigners. We remain Belarusians, steadfast in our fight against Lukashenko’s oppressive regime.” She emphasized, “My task is to keep people united and inspire them to persevere.”

Since her departure, Tsikhanouskaya has been tirelessly forging connections with political leaders across Western nations. Establishing a democracy in exile is a daunting task, yet she remains resolute in her pursuit of a liberated Belarus. “Our goal is to prepare our democratic movements and forces for the transitional period in Belarus,” she elaborated. “The Belarusian democratic forces and citizens are united like never before, driven by a common aim: to secure the release of our loved ones, our friends, and political prisoners, and to ensure free and fair elections.”

Tsikhanouskaya believes her visit to Germany is critical for advancing these objectives. “We are appealing for your support on this challenging journey towards democracy,” she stated firmly. “If the governments in your countries fail to listen to your voices, it signifies a lack of awareness regarding our plight.”

Political Prisoners: Not Bargaining Chips

Despite Tsikhanouskaya’s efforts to amplify her voice among European politicians, Lukashenko remains entrenched in Belarus, facing significant international sanctions. Nevertheless, increased pressure is essential to compel him to ease his oppressive tactics.

During a recent political prisoner exchange involving Russia and Western nations, none of the Belarusian political prisoners were released. Meanwhile, many of them are enduring dire conditions, with their lives hanging in the balance. Maria Kolesnikova, an opposition activist who stood alongside Tsikhanouskaya during the 2020 elections, is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence. Reports from Amnesty International reveal that, like many other political prisoners, she suffers from isolation and torture, weighing a mere 45 kilograms.

“We all yearn for their release,” Tsikhanouskaya affirmed. “However, we refuse to let our political prisoners, our heroes, become bargaining chips in Lukashenko’s negotiations.”

The Risks of Negotiating with Lukashenko

Tsikhanouskaya is adamant that negotiating with Lukashenko will only exacerbate the suffering of the Belarusian populace. “He continues to take hostages, exploiting them for profit,” she warned. “We urge our democratic allies: do not engage in negotiations with Lukashenko, for he can ‘sell’ one individual for 300 others, and he will detain twice as many. Just recently, Lukashenko released 115 individuals, but within the same timeframe, he arrested 140 more.”

According to Tsikhanouskaya, Lukashenko is playing a perilous game. “This is not an act of compassion from Lukashenko. I cannot suspect him of possessing any humanity,” she asserted. “He aims to project an image of change, but the reality remains unchanged.”

Looking Toward the Future: Elections in 2025

As 2025 approaches, Lukashenko is expected to hold presidential elections. However, Tsikhanouskaya believes that this is not the opportune moment for the Belarusian opposition to engage. “All leaders of democratic movements are either imprisoned or in exile, and civil society has been decimated—there are no NGOs, no alternative media. Most are currently operating underground,” she explained.

Yet, the longer Lukashenko clings to power, the more isolated he becomes from the Belarusian people. Four years after the elections deemed fraudulent, citizens continue to live in fear of his regime’s brutality. Furthermore, the ongoing war in Ukraine looms large over their lives.

“The majority of Belarusians are resolutely opposing Lukashenko’s regime,” Tsikhanouskaya stated. “While he wields violence and brutality as weapons, he cannot claim the support of the Belarusian people. Deep down, he understands this.”

While Tsikhanouskaya does not plan to return to Belarus for the upcoming elections, she is preparing for the right moment to act. “We must be ready for a genuine moment of opportunity,” she affirmed. “When that moment comes, there will be a call to action for the Belarusian people. However, I do not wish for our people to make sacrifices that are in vain.”

In the meantime, Tsikhanouskaya extends her solidarity to the Ukrainian people fighting against Russian aggression. “The bond between Ukraine and Belarus is significant, as we face similar challenges. We strive to assist Ukrainians in any way we can,” she noted. “While we cannot provide military equipment or vast sums of money, we advocate for Ukrainian interests. Belarusian soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians against a common foe, and our refugees support Ukrainian refugees. We organize joint events and collaborate closely.”

Support and Challenges from Allies

Poland has been a staunch supporter of Belarusian and Ukrainian refugees. However, it recently announced a complete temporary suspension of the rights of Belarusian citizens seeking asylum. Despite this development, Tsikhanouskaya maintains a positive outlook on Poland.

Amid her political endeavors and fierce commitment to securing a democratic future for her homeland from abroad, Tsikhanouskaya’s thoughts remain anchored in Belarus. “Every morning I wake up and every night I go to bed with thoughts of my husband. I miss the memories of my children. They often reminisce about their experiences at school and our summer home,” she shared. “We created countless cherished memories in Belarus. I long for the village where my grandmother is buried; it was my childhood haven. All these memories haunt me. Yet, my ultimate desire is to witness a free Belarus.”

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