Tsikhanouskaya Warns of Belarus Escalation During Kyiv Visit Amid Russia-Ukraine War

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kyiv on Monday as concerns continue to grow over Belarus potentially becoming more involved in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Her visit came shortly after one of the largest Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital in recent months killed four people and damaged several historic landmarks.

Tsikhanouskaya, a leading opponent of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during what she described as her first official working trip to Kyiv. She stressed that only a democratic Belarus could help bring long-term security and stability to Eastern Europe.

Speaking to reporters, Tsikhanouskaya expressed concern over Lukashenko’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric regarding military readiness. She pointed to recent statements from the Belarusian leader suggesting the country was preparing for war despite publicly claiming to seek peace. According to her, such comments have raised alarm among both Belarusians and neighboring countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly warned that Belarus could play a larger role in Russia’s full-scale invasion, which has now entered its fifth year. In response, Ukraine has announced plans to strengthen its northern border defenses to prepare for any potential offensive launched from Belarusian territory.

Although Lukashenko recently denied that Belarus would directly enter the conflict, he said Minsk and Moscow would jointly respond to any perceived aggression. Belarus has remained one of Russia’s closest allies throughout the war. Russian drones have reportedly crossed Belarusian airspace during attacks on Ukraine, while Minsk confirmed the deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile system. The two countries also conducted joint nuclear drills last week.

Tsikhanouskaya also commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent phone call with Lukashenko, describing it as a warning from Europe against escalating the conflict further. Meanwhile, Ukraine reiterated that it would respond firmly to any provocations coming from Belarus.