Kuchynski: During Tsikhanouskaya's Visit to Armenia, Belarusian Authorities Attempted to Use International Search Mechanisms
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's visit to Armenia for the European Political Community summit, which took place on May 4-5, was under threat of disruption. As reported by "Zerkalo," Dzianis Kuchynski, diplomatic advisor to the democratic leader, said that Belarusian authorities attempted to use bureaucratic mechanisms and international search to prevent her participation in the forum.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and members of her delegation at the European Political Community summit. Yerevan, Armenia, May 4, 2026. Photo: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's press service
According to Dzianis Kuchynski, the delegation initially planned to fly to Armenia from Warsaw on Saturday, May 2, to be on site by Sunday along with most world leaders. However, at the last moment, plans changed due to an invitation from Polish President Karol Nawrocki to participate in Andrei Pachobut's award ceremony. The departure was postponed to Sunday evening.
"Looking back, it can be said that this decision largely benefited us. Because it was at the last moment that movements began on the part of Lukashenka's regime. These actions were not open, but very characteristic of them — through bureaucratic mechanisms and abuse of international search," Kuchynski said.
According to the democratic leader's advisor, official Minsk decided to use international search mechanisms to detain Tsikhanouskaya and her delegation. For security reasons, Kuchynski declined to say what the response from the Armenian side was.
"We received strong assurances at the highest state level that everything would be organized properly. The Armenians did everything flawlessly: protocol reception, state security, and coordination — everything was organized at a very high professional level. It was clear that this was the country's true political stance," Kuchynski noted.
According to him, due to the flight postponement and an additional day in Warsaw, Tsikhanouskaya's team had more time for preparation, which allowed them to "calmly recheck all details, work through all scenarios, coordinate all security issues, and ensure that there would be no surprises."
"Armenia's position was very principled. It welcomed Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. And this was a very strong signal. This is further proof that Lukashenka still poorly understands who he is dealing with. He still thinks that Sviatlana can be intimidated or forced to abandon certain steps. She perfectly understands the risks but does not allow fear to dictate her decisions," Kuchynski stated.
Now reading
Belarusian woman says her unfortunate husband was kidnapped by Armenians in Lyozna and sold as an assault trooper to the Russian army. He's probably already dead 1212
Comments