Release of Belarusian Opposition Leader Sparks International Reactions
The detention of Tsikhanovski led to significant unrest across Belarus, yet it failed to unseat President Lukashenko, who asserted victory in the disputed elections of 2020. Following these events, Tsikhanouskaya, his spouse and prominent opposition figure, sought refuge in Lithuania, reports 24brussels.
In light of Tsikhanouski’s release, Tsikhanouskaya expressed her optimism, stating, “This is a step toward freedom for all of Belarus.” She conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support received during their struggle.
“I want to thank President Trump, the U.S. State Department, and General Kellogg. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to Lithuania and all EU nations; without your assistance, this achievement wouldn’t have been feasible,” she noted.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked on the positive news, characterizing it as “a moment of hope,” and reminding everyone that democratic principles cannot be overlooked. His comments were shared via a post on X.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also shared her joy, expressing happiness for her friend Tsikhanouskaya in a post on X, highlighting the camaraderie among those supporting Belarusian democracy.
Russian media outlet RBC reported on the release of journalist Igor Karney and academic Natalia Dulina among others, indicating a broader trend of leniency towards political dissidents.
The visit by General Kellogg to Belarus was strategically planned to advocate for the release of political prisoners and to foster connections between Belarus and Western nations, aiming to create a more favorable environment for potential peace negotiations concerning Ukraine.
Contributions to this report were provided by Gregory Svirnovskiy.
