Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Relocates Office to Warsaw Citing Reduced Security in Lithuania

Belarusian Opposition Leader Moves to Poland

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the prominent Belarusian opposition leader, has officially relocated her office and a portion of her staff from Vilnius, Lithuania, to Warsaw, Poland. The move, confirmed in late January 2026, sees her office commencing operations in the Polish capital as of January 30, 2026. Tsikhanouskaya cited a 'changing security situation' and 'reduced security' in Lithuania as the primary reasons for the relocation, stating that the environment had become a risk to her and her team.

Security Concerns Prompt Relocation

The decision to move follows Lithuania's reduction of Tsikhanouskaya's security status in October 2025. Lithuanian authorities reportedly adjusted her protection level, citing evolving risk assessments and financial considerations. Tsikhanouskaya expressed gratitude for Lithuania's past support but indicated that the altered security provisions necessitated finding alternative solutions. She was quoted saying, 'I am very grateful to Lithuania for its support, but I am forced to look for alternative solutions to ensure the safety of our office.' Reports suggest that the level of protection in Lithuania had diminished to the point where she was effectively left without dedicated security, reportedly only being provided with a police phone number to call in case of danger. Additionally, controversies in Vilnius concerning Belarusian document symbolism and the extent of state protection for the opposition contributed to the decision.

Poland as a Symbol of Solidarity

In choosing Warsaw as her new base, Tsikhanouskaya emphasized Poland's significance as a 'symbol of solidarity and democracy.' She highlighted Poland's own historical journey to independence and the country's continued support for democratic aspirations. While some staff members will remain in Vilnius, the new headquarters in Warsaw is expected to become a central hub for the Belarusian democratic movement. Tsikhanouskaya's children, currently residing in the United States, are also anticipated to join her in Poland, with plans for their permanent settlement and schooling in Warsaw.

Broader Implications and International Engagement

Tsikhanouskaya, who has been in exile in Lithuania since fleeing Belarus in 2020 after the disputed presidential election, has consistently worked to challenge the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka. She stressed that the dictatorial government of Belarus, in coordination with Russia, poses a threat not only to Belarusians but also to broader European security, including that of Poland. The relocation comes amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape, with Ukraine recently indicating a more systemic engagement with the Belarusian democratic opposition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first official meeting with Tsikhanouskaya in Vilnius on January 25, 2026, discussing support for Ukraine and the fight for democracy in Belarus.