On May 26, a new diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Belarusian democratic forces and Ukraine was officially inaugurated in Kyiv. The mission, led by Belarusian opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between the two nations.
Tsikhanouskaya announced the establishment of the mission via social media on May 27, highlighting its leadership under Sviatlana Shatilina, who will represent Belarusian democratic interests in Ukraine.
“This is an important step towards a stronger and more systematic cooperation between democratic Belarus and Ukraine. I am grateful to Ukrainian officials, particularly Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis, for joining us, as well as to everyone who helped make the opening of this Mission possible,” Tsikhanouskaya stated.
She emphasized the need for increased support for Ukraine, advocating for both political and informational collaboration, which includes working with Ukrainian institutions and assisting Belarusian volunteers and citizens currently residing in Ukraine.
“This mission will make our work more consistent and visible. It will serve as a platform for dialogue, practical cooperation, and support. It will help Ukrainians understand who to work with, and Belarusian citizens in Ukraine know where to turn for assistance,” she noted.
Tsikhanouskaya arrived in Kyiv on May 25, accompanied by advisors Franak Viachorka, Denys Kuchynskyi, and Anatoliy Lebedko, as well as representatives from the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC), including Deputy Head Pavel Latushko and Chief of Staff Valery Matskevich.
During her visit, she also toured the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, highlighting the personal and national significance of the disaster, particularly for Belarus, which suffered severe consequences from the incident.
In a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on May 25, Tsikhanouskaya discussed future collaboration between Ukraine and Belarusian democratic forces.
“It is crucial for us that Ukraine views a free Belarus as a future partner and neighbor, rather than a threat. Only a free and democratic Belarus can be a factor of stability and security in the region, rather than a tool of aggressive Kremlin policy. We need more mutual dialogue, more contacts among people, experts, civil society, and democratic institutions. Putin and Lukashenko have done everything to destroy the friendly relations between our peoples, but it is our task to restore them,” Tsikhanouskaya asserted.
On May 26, Tsikhanouskaya met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and held a press conference, further solidifying the diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The establishment of the Belarusian Democratic Mission in Ukraine aims to enhance collaboration between the two countries. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's visit underscores the importance of mutual support and dialogue amid ongoing regional tensions.