March 6, Pozirk. Despite the difficult regional situation and the war in Ukraine, the Belarusian people will play the key role in deciding their country’s future, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has told the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian pro-democracy forces.
Developments in Belarus largely depend on the outcomes of the war in Ukraine, the politician told a panel discussion in Brussels. If a ceasefire is reached, it could create new momentum for Belarus, but escalation could once again turn the country into a springboard for Russian aggression, her press office cited her as saying.
The exiled opposition is currently focusing on preparing for the democratic transformation of Belarus, including establishing necessary structures, ensuring legitimate representation and setting up tools and channels that can play a key role at the moment of change, Cichanoŭskaja said.
The politician thanked the European Commission and its partners for their consistent support for Belarus, noting the launch of new mechanisms to assist Belarusian reprisal victims and freed dissidents, as well as increased aid for independent media and civil society.
Yesterday, Cichanoŭskaja met Andrius Kubilius, the European Union’s commissioner for defence and space from Lithuania, who linked the future of a democratic Belarus to the EU, stability and long-term peace in the region.
Today, the Belarusian politician is expected to meet with Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign affairs chief, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
