Sviatlana Tikhanouskaya, leader of the democratic forces of Belarus, believes that changes in Russia can start with changes in Belarus.
She recognises that the government and personally Alexander Lukashenko are “largely preserved” now only thanks to the Kremlin’s political and economic support.
“But we must realise that this position that as long as nothing changes in Russia, nothing will change in Belarus either, is wrong! Because I’m sure that changes in Russia can start with changes in Belarus, because our nation is more united, we don’t have these imperialistic ambitions,” she said in an interview with Radio Liberty.
Tikhanovskaya notes that Belarus wants to live in good neighbourliness with other countries, and the Belarusian society is more consolidated.
“And that’s why I am sure that we need to invest more in Belarus’ politics so that our changes will lead to changes in Russia as well,” she said.
As for some reproaches towards the Belarusian opposition – in particular about its detachment from the situation inside Belarus and disunity – Tikhanovskaya said that “a big propaganda machine of Lukashenko’s regime” is working against the opposition, which is also backed by Russian narratives.
“But I want to say that I am very proud that six years have passed since our 2020 revolution, we have maintained unity, we have maintained coordination between the public sector, between politicians, because I understand how important it is to be united in our struggle against dictatorship, and also to be united in the eyes of our foreign partners,” she added.
Lukashenko has been leading Belarus for almost 31 years – he first came to power in July 1994. His regular inauguration took place in March 2025, during which Lukashenko compared and equated the USSR’s victory in World War II 80 years ago and the victory over the protests in 2020.