Democratic Forces: Diversification of Risks in Relations with the West

Political organizations are refraining from mobilizing activists during the presidential campaign period. This decision is linked to increasing repression and the aim to preserve assets within the country. However, democratic forces are actively defending their agenda—isolating the regime and non-recognition of Lukashenka’s election—in communications with international partners.

Democratic forces are enhancing interactions with Western politicians within pan-European institutions. This is a result of diplomatic efforts and communication by the leader of democratic Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, with Western partners. The Council of Europe is expanding cooperation with democratic forces and civil society. A delegation from the Coordination Council will participate for the first time in a PACE session, which will allow democratic forces to keep attention on Belarus and advance their agenda.

The diplomatic efforts by democrats to isolate the regime and not recognize Lukashenka’s new mandate are bearing fruit. Czech parliamentarians have declared the 2025 presidential elections in Belarus illegitimate.

Tsikhanouskaya’s coalition seeks to reduce the risk of a policy revision towards Belarus. Democratic forces are striving to maintain ties with various political forces in the U.S. and European countries. This approach allows for the formation of a bipartisan consensus in Western capitals regarding Belarus.

Tsikhanouskaya and the President of Germany discussed Europe’s future after the change of power in the U.S.

At the “Future of Democracy” Forum in Vilnius, the leader of democratic Belarus called for a consistent policy of isolation towards Lukashenka. The event was attended by Lithuanian politicians and diplomats, public figures, human rights activists, as well as representatives from the European Union and Poland.

The candidate for Prime Minister of Lithuania from the Social Democrats expressed criticism of restrictions on Belarusian emigrants.

The communication of democratic forces with European governments is yielding results in defending Belarusian interests. Denmark began issuing alien passports to Belarusian political emigrants, and earlier recognized expired Belarusian passports. Tsikhanouskaya discussed this issue with Danish officials in May 2024.

Thus, democratic forces maintain a unified agenda in communication with Western capitals. This approach enables Tsikhanouskaya’s coalition to defend the interests of civil society and supporters in exile.