POLITICAL PRISONERS’ ARRIVAL IN WARSAW AND VILNIUS
Over 100 political prisoners, recently released and deported from Belarus, arrived from Ukraine to Vilnius and Warsaw. They were welcomed by family members, volunteers, and representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulated them on their freedom and emphasized that the fight for those still imprisoned continues. The released prisoners are receiving comprehensive support thanks to the joint efforts of Belarusian and international initiatives, with assistance from Lithuania and Poland.
CONVERSATION WITH MARIYA KALESNIKAVA AND VIKTAR BABARYKA
At the end of the week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke with Mariya Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka on their way to Germany. Mariya Kalesnikava conveyed her appreciation to Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, while Viktar Babaryka acknowledged her work in support of Belarus. They agreed to continue communication and cooperation and to maintain the unity of the democratic forces.
MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF LITHUANIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, who was released on December 13, met with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Lithuania for supporting political prisoners and backing Belarusians in their fight for human rights and freedom. She highlighted the humanitarian efforts of the United States that contributed to Ales Bialiatski’s release.
MEETING WITH THE LITHUANIAN SEIMAS SPEAKER
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Ales Bialiatski met with Speaker Juozas Olekas at the Seimas of Lithuania. They discussed the situation of political prisoners in Belarus and further cooperation between the democratic forces of Belarus and the Lithuanian Seimas.
LAW ON VOLUNTEER FIGHTERS’ STATUS IN UKRAINE
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law on the status of foreign volunteers, including Belarusians fighting on Ukraine’s side, with 291 MPs voting in favor. The document addresses legal and social issues, from legal stay to guarantees and protection of volunteers’ rights. The law is the result of prolonged joint work, including proposals submitted to the Ukrainian side by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY
December 18 marked International Migrants Day. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians: “Many Belarusians have paid a high price for the right to remain themselves. I know that we will preserve this dignity and carry it forward until the moment we finally return home”.
AWARD CEREMONY
During Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s traditional Christmas reception in Vilnius, a ceremonial awarding of medals of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus took place. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya presented honors “For Distinguished Work for the Benefit of Belarus”, “For Honor and Dignity”, and the “Unbowed” medal named after Larysa Henijush. Recipients included Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, former Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty director Alexander Lukashuk, journalists Viachaslau Lazarau and Pavel Vinahradau, philosopher Uladzimir Matskevich, and entrepreneur and innovator Pavel Liber. Distinguished Belarusians, ambassadors accredited in Lithuania, and the Lithuanian Ministers of Interior and Labor participated in the ceremony.
ALIEN PASSPORTS IN DENMARK AND NORWAY
Belarusians in Denmark and Norway confirmed that alien passports were issued to diaspora members who were left without documents after the regime’s suspension of consular services abroad. They expressed gratitude to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and the governments of these countries. Over the past years, representatives of the Office and the United Transitional Cabinet communicated with multiple governments to resolve legal stay issues for Belarusians left without passports and unable to return to Belarus due to political persecution. More than 10 EU countries are already issuing alien passports.
BELARUSIAN-LANGUAGE SECTION ON POLISH GOVERNMENT PORTAL
The official portal of the Polish government now features a Belarusian-language section for Belarusians living in Poland, providing official information on legal stay, employment, social benefits, and daily life. The service was created after six months of joint work following an initiative by Pavel Latushka.
STRATEGIC PLANNING OF THE CABINET
On December 16–17, a strategic session of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, foreign representations (Italy, Kyiv, Brussels, Prague), and partner organizations took place in Vilnius. They discussed next steps for political prisoner releases, priorities for 2026, cooperation with foreign governments, issues faced by Belarusians in exile, and support for Ukraine.
MEDIA
BBC (International), APNews (International), France 24 Breaking News (International), Al Jazeera English (International), France 24 (International), Associated Press (AP) (International), ABC (Australia), LRT (Lithuania), DWS News (International).
