Cichanoŭskaja, European Council president discuss Belarusian independence

June 28, BPN. Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, have discussed possible consequences and risks for the independence of Belarus posed by Wagner Group and Russian nuclear weapons, her advisor has told BPN.

The meeting comes after Alaksandr Łukašenka said that the leader of the Russian army of mercenaries had already arrived and a significant part of the Russian nuclear arsenal intended for Belarus was already there.

Cichanoŭskaja urged Michel “to take all measures to free Belarus from Russian troops.”

They also discussed Belarusian representation in international forums. Cichanoŭskaja stressed that not a single seat should be vacant, noting that Belarusian pro-democracy leaders could replace Łukašenka’s officials.

Members of her cabinet Pavieł Łatuška and Valer Kavaleŭski also participated in the talks in Brussels.

Łatuška told Michel that it was important to hold Łukašenka’s regime accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Cichanoŭskaja is expected to participate in a meeting between senior European Union diplomats and Belarusian pro-democracy and civil society activists tomorrow.