Tsikhanouskaya Warns US: Deals With Belarusian Regime Carry Risks

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya issued a warning to the United States on Monday in New York regarding possible dealings with the Belarusian authorities. In her view, any agreement with the current regime in Minsk involves substantial risk.

Tsikhanouskaya, widely regarded as the leader of Belarus's democratic opposition and living in exile since 2020, delivered her message while in New York. The warning was directed specifically at the United States as a country that might consider contacts or arrangements with the government led by Alexander Lukashenko.

Ongoing distrust

The opposition leader's caution reflects the continuing lack of trust between the Belarusian democratic movement and the current authorities in Minsk, along with concerns that international dealings with the regime could end up strengthening its grip rather than improving conditions in the country.

Tsikhanouskaya has become an internationally recognized figure since the 2020 presidential election, which was widely criticized as fraudulent. She has since represented the Belarusian opposition on the world stage, meeting with foreign leaders and calling for continued pressure on Lukashenko's government.