Belarusian Leader Tsikhanouskaya Calls for Stronger Western Support Against Lukashenko and Putin
- "If Russia does not halt its actions in Ukraine, it may target us in the future. The aggressor's appetite will only increase. We need to provide Ukraine with all the necessary support to secure victory. The West must realise that Kyiv is defending the liberty of the entire Western world," says Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition, in an interview with Wirtualna Polska.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader: I worry that Alexander Lukashenko will be encouraged by the tepid response to Alexei Navalny's death.
I've been out of contact with my husband for more than a year; he's in solitary confinement. I'm uncertain if he's even alive. This is a traumatic situation for my children and me, a sentiment shared with numerous other Belarusian families. We support each other to remain resilient.
How do you manage under these circumstances?
My work is what motivates me. Just as my husband has no choice but to remain imprisoned, I can't shirk the responsibility that's upon me.
Do you worry about your safety?
No. I'm aware of the risks that come with my activities. I comprehend that dictators won't hesitate to eliminate their adversaries, but I can't let fear control me. Succumbing to fear means defeat.
Doing nothing poses a greater danger. How will we justify our inaction against dictators to future generations?
Lukashenko harbours ambitions of expansion. Does the prospect of increased repression against the Belarusian opposition concern you?
I'm certain repression will intensify. However, this will not deter our activism. We will persist in advocating for the rights and freedom of Belarusians and endeavour for the release of all political detainees. We need to encourage the West to step up international support to effectively counter Lukashenko's oppressive methods.
How widespread is the issue of political prisoners in Belarus?
At least 1,500 political prisoners have been identified, though the actual count could be significantly higher. Many suffer from severe health issues and lack access to essential medical services, posing a direct risk to their lives.
We have compiled a humanitarian list that includes about 100 individuals in particularly dire circumstances. However, without immediate action, the death toll in prisons will rise. Global solidarity and proactive measures are vital to challenge the regime's violations of human rights.
What's the status of Andrzej Poczobut?
I am deeply concerned for his well-being. He represents yet another target of the regime's vengeance. We demand his prompt release and insist on holding the regime accountable for its maltreatment of him and others. Moreover, the international community must enhance its efforts to safeguard journalists and political activists.
What are the principal challenges Belarus faces?
We are confronted by two dictators - Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin. Our nation must defend itself against this dual menace. Lukashenko has constructed a system of repression to maintain power, gradually pushing Belarus towards a state resembling North Korea. Thousands languish in jail under deplorable conditions, and civil society is in ruins.
Lukashenko supports Putin in obliterating our national identity and sovereignty. Belarus is effectively annexed by Russia. This is not merely a domestic issue. Lukashenko also jeopardizes our neighbours, sparking a migration crisis, and supports Russia's aggression in Ukraine, evidenced by authorizing the stationing of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus.
Does the possibility of Belarus being absorbed by Russia and disappearing from the world map concern you?
The risk of losing Belarusian independence is genuine. It would signify not just a catastrophe for Belarusians but also destabilise the region and pose a threat to international security. The global community must acknowledge the strategic significance of Belarus and cooperate to prevent its annexation by Russia. The majority of Belarusians aspire for a European future rather than integration with Russia.
What do you expect from the Western world?
We hope for a consistent and united stand from the West through effective sanctions and support for civil society and democratic endeavours.
The most crucial aspect is to close any loopholes. We must prevent Belarus from becoming a concession to Putin.
In a recent speech, Putin outlined nuclear ambitions. How significant do you believe the nuclear threat from Russia to be?
That's typical of Putin's rhetoric. I view it as a grave threat, but we must resist succumbing to nuclear intimidation. Each time the West has bolstered its support for Ukraine, Putin has threatened nuclear strikes against European cities.
The deployment of nuclear arms in Belarus is an attempt to coerce and openly threaten our neighbours. We must confront dictators who jeopardize global security without being immobilized by their threats.
Is there a way to halt Russian aggression in Ukraine?
We need to equip Ukraine with all the tools required for victory. The West must grasp that Kyiv is contending for the freedom of the Western hemisphere. If Russia's advance in Ukraine goes unchecked, it might target us later. The aggressor's hunger will only intensify. A triumph for Ukraine signifies a definitive setback for Putin and Lukashenko.
