Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya meets NATO Secretary General, addresses Allies

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya of Belarus to NATO HQ on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for discussions. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also spoke to the North Atlantic Council. Mr. Stoltenberg praised Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s bravery and leadership in advocating for democracy and human rights in Belarus.

He expressed worry about President Lukashenka’s regime’s renewed crackdown on the opposition and civil society. The Secretary General reaffirmed that the people of Belarus deserve to live in freedom and democracy.

Additionally, the Secretary General addressed Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s opposition to Russian nuclear weapons being stationed in Belarus. He stated, “Minsk’s support has been crucial to Russia, offering territory and infrastructure for Russian forces to target Ukraine and sustain the aggressive war.”

NATO Allies have urged Belarus to cease its involvement in Russia’s actions and adhere to international laws. Allies have also criticized Russia’s plan to deploy nuclear weapons and systems capable of carrying nuclear arms on Belarusian territory.