Belarusian opposition leader arrives in Kyiv for the first time: what is known about Tikhanovskaya’s visit
25 May 10:01
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has arrived in Kyiv on her first official visit. The politician arrived in the Ukrainian capital on the morning of May 25 by train from Poland. This was reported by Tikhanovskaya’s press service, as well as the Belarusian opposition publications“Zerkalo”and“Nasha Niva,” which are accompanying Tikhanovskaya, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
This is Tsikhanouskaya’s first official visit to Ukraine following a prolonged period of cautious and cool relations between Kyiv and Belarusian democratic forces.
How Tikhanovskaya arrived in Kyiv
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland. As with many foreign guests, Ukrzaliznytsia presented her with a symbolic ticket.
It lists the route: “Przemyśl — Free Kyiv — Free Minsk.”
At the Kyiv train station, Tikhanovskaya was met by Yaroslav Chornogor, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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She was also presented with a white-and-red bouquet in the colors of the historic Belarusian flag, which is used by Belarus’s democratic forces.
Who arrived with Tikhanovskaya
The Belarusian opposition leader was accompanied to Kyiv by her advisors and representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet.
The delegation included:
- Franak Viachorka;
- Denis Kuchinsky;
- Anatoly Lebedko;
- Pavel Latushko;
- Valery Matskevich;
- Olga Zazulinska.
Belarusian opposition media report that the visit has several components: political meetings, participation in an international summit, and interactions with Belarusians who support Ukraine.
What is planned during the visit
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian leadership.
She is also set to participate in the 4th International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv. This is an annual event organized by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, aimed at securing international support for the country’s recovery.
In addition, Tikhanovskaya’s itinerary includes meetings with Belarusian volunteers, in particular with representatives of the Kastuś Kalinowski Regiment.
Visit to the grave of Maria Zaitseva
During her stay in Kyiv, Tikhanovskaya has already visited the grave of Maria Zaitseva—a Belarusian woman who became one of the symbols of the protests in Belarus following the 2020 elections.
Maria Zaitseva died in the war in Ukraine while defending the country against Russian aggression. Her story has become significant for Belarusian democratic forces who support Ukraine and oppose the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.
Who is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya became one of the leading figures of the Belarusian opposition after the 2020 presidential election. She ran in place of her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, whom the Belarusian authorities had imprisoned even before the election.
Alexander Lukashenko was officially declared the winner of the election, but the Belarusian opposition and many international observers did not recognize the results as fair.
Following mass protests and repression, Tsikhanouskaya was forced to leave Belarus.
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