Viachorka on the Year's Results: We Improved Relations with Ukraine, Attention Returned to Belarus

Franak Viachorka. Photo: LookByMedia

— What are the main foreign policy results for Belarus and democratic forces that you would highlight this year?

— Against the backdrop of peace negotiations on Ukraine, attention has returned to Belarus. We managed to hold important discussions, adopt resolutions and decisions on Belarus in the EU Council, OSCE, UN, G7. Gradually, an understanding is emerging that without the democratization of Belarus, peace in the region will not be lasting.

We improved relations with Ukraine, involved new countries in the Belarusian theme — the first visit to Australia and New Zealand took place.

Undoubtedly, one of the most important factors this year was Donald Trump's presidency, including for Belarus. To the surprise of many, our country became one of the priorities of American policy; a special envoy for Belarus was appointed.

Thanks to his style and approach, Trump managed to achieve the release of hundreds of political prisoners.

— How would you assess the positions of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and official Minsk, are they strong?

— I would note that the regime failed to legitimize itself through fake elections at the beginning of the year. However, it achieved certain successes in China and some Asian countries.

As for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, she maintains her positions and international status: she continues to be received as a legitimate representative of Belarus at the highest level.

By the way, in terms of the number of meetings with heads of state and government, ministers, and international leaders, this might have been the busiest year in all five.

At the same time, frankly speaking, it has become more difficult to keep the focus on Belarus, and now twice as much effort is needed to ensure our country is not forgotten.

— Some, on the contrary, consider such meetings a waste of time and actively criticize Tsikhanouskaya and the entire Cabinet. More and more people feel disappointed with the democratic movement. How do you feel about this?

— In fact, for all five years, there has been both criticism and disappointment. Some burn out, new people come. This is understandable: when people are in exile, deprived of home, stability, normal life, they often start looking for culprits. And this subconsciously shifts onto the leaders — Tsikhanouskaya, Latushka, Franak, others.

But the main thing is that the critical infrastructure is working, institutions are preserved: the international direction is maintained, human rights defenders are working, journalists are doing their job.

Everyone does what they can. And we truly achieve a lot — despite limited opportunities, exile, and constant repression.

There are different approaches and tactics — and that's normal. The main thing is that everyone's goal converges. Criticism and disputes should be taken calmly: it would be strange if they weren't present in such a complex situation.

But I'll add one more important thing: we, Belarusians, need to learn to thank each other. Because every person in this struggle is important.

— You said that, despite limited opportunities, much has been achieved. What Cabinet decisions most influenced Belarusians during the year?

— I will answer more broadly — not just about the Cabinet, but about democratic forces in general. First of all, a humanitarian infrastructure has been created and is working to help those released: these include human rights initiatives, the International Humanitarian Fund, the EU Victims Facility, and the Platform for Documenting Crimes (IAPB).

At the same time, assistance is also provided to those who remain inside the country.

Together with the European Union, scholarship programs, exchanges, and retraining programs for Belarusians in exile have been launched.

We facilitated the adoption of legislation in favor of Belarusians in several governments, including Ukraine. A military commission was also created with the participation of the Coordination Council and the Cabinet — and this was positively received by Belarusian volunteers.

Finally, this year we saw how, thanks to direct contacts developed over five years, it was possible to save people's lives and freedom.

Yes, we saved dozens of people from deportations, resolved problems with legalization and foreign passports in more than 10 countries, began cooperation with Interpol, and mobilized support for journalists and the repressed, which proved critically important against the backdrop of reduced American aid.

Interestingly, Lukashenka also closely monitors the work of democratic forces. We know that in Minsk, both the lustration concept and Alisa Ryzhychenka's economic program were discussed. This shows our relevance and agency.

— Do you expect changes in the democratic forces after the release of our activists and leaders?

— Yes, absolutely. This means new energy, new ideas, and additional attention to Belarus. The release of each person, their story, allows renewed attention to the situation in the country.

Look, for example, how strongly and clearly Ales Bialiatski speaks today. The more people in the movement — the better.

Of course, those who have been released need time. People come out of prisons in a very difficult state — physical and psychological. The first thing they should receive is peace, treatment, support from loved ones, time to recover.

The release of Ales Bialiatski, Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Maksim Znak — this is the return of voices that have authority both in Belarus and in the world.

These people are not an "alternative" to the democratic movement, but an integral part of it. They will strengthen it, when and how they deem it necessary. And there is always a place for all of them in the common cause.

— In conclusion, what do we take into the new year?

— With liberated voices, which we greatly missed being free. The process of releasing political prisoners began with the leading role of the USA, and we will support it and seek an end to repression so that everyone can safely return home.

Undoubtedly, events around Ukraine will open new opportunities and challenges for Belarus, and we need to be especially active so that our country is not handed over to Russia.

Yes, the situation remains dramatically difficult. But this is precisely the moment when we cannot give up. On the contrary — we need to exert ourselves and work even harder.

So that Belarus is spoken about, so that Belarusian interests are taken into account. We are all now participants in historical processes that will determine the fate of Belarus and Europe for years to come.

I don't have super optimism for 2026. It will be difficult. But we need to grit our teeth and do our Belarusian work. We enter the new year with hope.

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