Tikhanovskaya Appeals to Trump for Belarusian Democracy
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, speaking from Amsterdam on Saturday, October 18, 2025, urged US President Donald Trump to intensify efforts in supporting democracy within Belarus. Tikhanovskaya asserted that a democratic Belarus aligns with Washington's strategic interests and is crucial for broader regional stability.
During an interview with AFP, Tikhanovskaya highlighted the ongoing struggle against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond the release of political prisoners to encompass the entire future of the nation. She noted that despite some recent releases, the detention of political prisoners remains a 'constant source' of concern, with an estimated 150 individuals detained for every 50 freed.
Skepticism Over Trump-Putin Ukraine Negotiations
Tikhanovskaya also expressed significant reservations regarding anticipated talks between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning Ukraine. She 'poured cold water' on the prospect, stating her belief that the Russian president is 'not serious about negotiations over Ukraine'. According to Tikhanovskaya, 'dictators don't need peace' and that 'war fuels the regimes' and 'justifies repression', suggesting that Putin benefits from continued conflict.
Her comments come amidst reports of a potential meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest for Ukraine talks. Tikhanovskaya indicated that while she appreciates Trump's efforts, as neighbors of Russia, Belarusians understand that dictators are not genuinely interested in peace.
Ongoing Engagement and Prisoner Releases
The Belarusian opposition leader acknowledged President Trump's 'personal involvement' in the 'humanitarian track' of releasing political prisoners, expressing gratitude for these efforts. In September 2025, Belarus released 52 political prisoners in a US-brokered deal, following an earlier release of 14 political prisoners, including Tikhanovskaya's husband, Sergei Tikhanovsky, in June 2025 at Trump's request. These releases followed a meeting between Lukashenko and US special envoy Keith Kellogg.
Tikhanovskaya's team maintains 'constant communication' with the US administration, and she has previously sent letters to European leaders ahead of discussions with President Trump, advocating for Belarus and expressing support for Ukraine. She has also conveyed gratitude to Trump for his role in securing prisoner releases and ending political repression. Tikhanovskaya, who was forced into exile in Lithuania in 2020 after challenging Lukashenko in the presidential election, continues to serve as the figurehead of the Belarusian opposition.
5 Comments
Muchacho
It's great that political prisoners are being released, but the core issue of Lukashenko's regime remains. These releases seem more like a temporary concession than real, systemic change.
Donatello
Stronger US support for Belarus democracy is vital. Washington needs to step up!
Leonardo
The US shouldn't meddle in other countries' affairs. This will only make things worse, not better.
ytkonos
While Tikhanovskaya's calls for democracy are understandable, relying solely on US intervention might backfire and escalate tensions further in the region.
lettlelenok
Her skepticism about Putin's peace intentions is valid given past actions, yet dismissing any negotiation outright closes off potential avenues for de-escalation that are worth exploring.