Cichanoŭskaja: prisoner swap between US, Russia sets precedent for release of Belarusians

August 3, Pozirk. Belarusian pro-democracy forces were unaware of negotiations between the United States and Russia and had no influence on their outcome, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja said.
“A couple of days ago, when the hostage exchange between Russia and the US was happening, many of us were hoping to see Maryja Kaleśnikava, Andrzej Poczobut or Ihar Łosik on the lists,” she told the New Belarus Conference 2024 in Vilnius.
“Despite all efforts, the miracle did not happen . . . To forestall any questions, I assert that we did not know and did not participate in the process of these negotiations to influence their results,” she said.
She added that the exchange set “an important precedent that will help us to free Belarusians in the future.”
Cichanoŭskaja expressed gratitude to activists who help political prisoners and fight for their release.
BNR Rada on prisoner swap: US, European leaders ignored Belarusians' suffering
- EconomyLithuania intercepts 635 cigarette-smuggling balloons in 2025The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Politics, SocietyŁukašenka declares 2026 Year of Belarusian WomanThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCensorship, pardons, instances of persecution documented on December 30, 31The material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsWashington to continue diplomatic efforts to free Belarusian dissidentsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- Economy, PoliticsBelarus extends ban on imports from “unfriendly countries” until 2028The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyOpposition politician praises EU support for Belarusian studentsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsŁukašenka sends New Year’s greetings to Trump, 85 other leadersThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SocietyGovernment approves state programs for 2026–2030The material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyOfficial: Belarus targets modest budget deficit in 2026The material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsInterior ministry adds 22 to its list of extremistsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityŁukašenka condemns Ukraine’s alleged attack on Russian president’s residenceThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityŁukašenka exaggerates aftermath of Oreshnik strike on DniproThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsBelarus extends countersanctions against Liqui Moly, Škoda Auto and BeiersdorfThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityLatvian border guards prevent 13 undocumented entries on December 29The material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyTourists need health insurance to enter Georgia after January 1The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityBelarus’ pro-democracy leaders condemn Oreshnik deploymentThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityLithuania preparing bridges for possible demolition in event of attackThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityMinsk backs China as it amid massive drills around TaiwanThe material is available only to POZIRK+


