Tsahkna reaffirmed that Estonia would continue to support the Belarusian democratic forces and stressed the importance of accountability for those responsible for human rights violations in Belarus. “Estonia supports the Belarusian people’s aspirations for democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and will continue to work with international partners to help bring about democratic change in Belarus. A free and democratic Belarus is in the security interests of Estonia and the region,” said the Foreign Minister, adding that the future of Belarus would, of course, depend on the outcome of the war in Ukraine. “Our shared goal is Russia’s strategic defeat.”
The meeting also addressed the situation of political prisoners in Belarus and how the international community could help secure their release. “It is important to Estonia that the Belarusian regime end political repression and release political prisoners, and that efforts to secure their release do not lead to unjustified easing of restrictive measures,” Tsahkna said.
During her visit, Tsikhanouskaya also met in Tallinn on 29 October with representatives of countries supporting the Belarusian democratic forces and the European Union. They discussed further cooperation between Estonia and its international partners and support for a democratic future for Belarus.
In 2025, Estonia appointed Karmen Laus as its new Special Representative for the Belarusian democratic forces. She continues to coordinate Estonia’s support for and cooperation with the Belarusian democratic forces.
