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.
