Today, the national leader and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya signed the required documents with the leadership of Flanders and received the keys to the premises where the Mission will operate. The Flanders government handed over the building to the democratic forces completely free of charge. Today, the premises hosted the first event, a meeting with the diaspora. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appointed Vladzimir Astapenka, United Transitional Cabinet Deputy Representative for Foreign Affairs and one of the leaders of the National Anti-Crisis Management, to head the Mission. The Mission for Democratic Belarus will provide the premises for Belarusian NGOs and representatives of the diaspora, as well as serve as an embassy for Free Belarus. Today, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held talks with the Belgian Foreign Minister about the possible legal and diplomatic status of the Mission. For now, the premises are closed to the public, but they will be opened within 1−2 months.

Peacekeepers on the border with Belarus — what good is Zelensky's idea? As a politician, I am in favor of any possible measures to prevent a new invasion of Ukraine and to stop strikes on the Ukrainian territory from the territory of our country. And that is why I fully support the idea of introducing peacekeepers on the border of Ukraine and Belarus. At the same time, the position of the Lukashenko regime, which allegedly advocates peace and against which some kind of aggression from Ukraine and NATO is allegedly being prepared, sounds extremely hypocritical. If the Lukashenko regime is really for peace and if it really believes that it is being attacked from somewhere, it should be the first to support this initiative of the president of Ukraine. So, does anyone still believe the words of the dictator about his desire for peace and any external threats to Belarus? The only real threat to our country is Russia, an occupying country. And it is Russia that dictates these false narratives to its puppet Lukashenko. And by opposing the appearance of peacekeepers on the border, Lukashenko stresses once again that he is in fact not for peace, but for war, for the Russian occupation and for a new invasion of Ukraine from the Belarusan bridgehead.

"Recognise the United Transitional Cabinet as the true representative of the people". Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s address to European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, 2022 "Dear Chairman Mcallister, Distinguished members of the European Parliament, Dear friends, Last week, an amazing thing happened. Our good friend, human rights defender, and personal hero for me and for many — Ales Bialacki — won the Nobel Peace Prize. Please let’s give him a round of applause! Ales received the news about this prize in his prison cell. Two years ago he was here in the European Parliament, to receive the Sakharov Prize. In every speech, in every statement he repeated these words: "Don't forget about Belarus! Don’t forget about our political prisoners!" Since then, the number of political prisoners has increased 10 times. As I speak today, 1350 political prisoners are being held in sub-human conditions, and this number is growing every day. Ales is just one of them. Since then, more than 50 thousand people have been detained in Belarus. Many tortured by the KGB. Many have died. Hundreds of thousands have had to flee. First they escaped to Ukraine. Then they fled the war there. Over the last two years, a great national tragedy has unfolded before our eyes. The unresolved political crisis in Belarus has escalated and infected the entire region. It has led to a devastating war in Ukraine, which continues to kill thousands of innocent Ukranians to this day. Ales Bialacki was among those who warned Belarusians about Russian imperialism many years ago. In the mid-ninety's, Ales organized the first ever protests against the forced integration with Russia. Ales believed that Belarus would not survive the clutches of that dark empire. It’s such a pity that people did not listen to Ales back then. Instead they fell for the fake nostalgia of a populist dictator and his empty fantasies of a Soviet past. And now we are paying the biggest price of all for our short-sightedness. The very existence of Belarus is at stake. Lukashenka — with the support of Putin — continues to sell our sovereignty, wipe out our national identity, trash civil society, and destroy any connection between Belarus and Europe. To this day some Europeans still believe that it is Lukashenka who protects Belarus' independence. But day by day and year by year it is Lukashenka and his cronies who have sold the soul of our nation. And now he is on his mission to destroy our beloved country completely. Feeling impunity, dictators raise the stakes. Now, Lukashenka is trying to legalize the permanent deployment of Russian troops on Belarus territory. We must call it what it is: it. is. occupation! Lukashenka has shamed us all by allowing Belarus to be the launch pad for Russian missiles which have killed thousands of innocent people in Ukraine. Now he wants to turn Belarus into a huge military base in order to terrorize Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, the entire European Union and NATO. And they are already talking about the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus. This must not happen. Our position is clear: First. Belarus must end any participation in Russia’s brutal war. Second. Every Russian soldier must leave Belarus unconditionally. Third. All those involved in Russian attacks on Ukraine from Belarus must be held accountable. Dear friends, There is another thing, which I also learned from Ales Bialacki: when changes happen, they happen quickly. Therefore we have two tasks here: First, to make these changes happen as soon as possible. And the second: We have to be ready when they do happen. We must not give Lukashenka any time to breathe. We must keep relentless pressure on his regime. When you discuss sanctions, don’t forget about Lukashenka: he is also a war criminal, with a long record of horrific human rights abuses. We must deprive his regime of any loopholes that he can use to evade sanctions. We must stay united. Dictators will try to divide us. Lukashenka could play his usual card by trading political prisoners in exchange for lifting sanctions. Don’t buy it. He’ll take the money and then start to arrest innocent people all over again. All parties must stand firm on sanctions. We must make the Kremlin withdraw all Russian troops. Out of Belarus. Out of Ukraine. Lukashenka might act like the Kremlin’s puppet, but he doesn’t represent the people. Belarus is not Russia. I ask you today to reject Lukashenka’s fraudulent and deadly regime and work with us to build a democratic and free Belarus. Recognise the United Transitional Cabinet as the true representative of the people. We are ready to cooperate and implement joint projects within the Eastern Partnership and other programs. We have already established such cooperation with the Council of Europe. For the first time in its history, the Council of Europe will not work with the official government, but with our democratic movement. We ask the European Parliament to do the same with Belarus. In one of his last interviews about freedom, Ales Bialacki, our new Nobel Peace Prize laureate said: "It's our duty, that not only artists or writers, but every Belarusian should think about our future, how to rebuild our country, how to make our life safe and prosperous". This is where we need your help, dear European parliamentarians. Help us to show that Belarus is welcome in Europe. Help us to draft a new democratic constitution and prepare new reforms and initiatives. Provide Belarusian students and young professionals with internships and scholarships. Help us to shape our future. Dear friends, I believe that a Free Belarus will be the strongest possible sanction against Putin’s terror. And the best support for free Ukraine will be a 1,000 km protective border with a liberated Belarus. No longer a Russian colony. I am sure that the path to peace in Europe is through freedom in Belarus. I am sure that the path to peace in Europe is through victory in Ukraine. I know it’s a difficult and painful path, but it is the right path. Let us walk it together. When we walk together, we are Europe. Thank you!"

United Transitional Cabinet Representative for Foreign Affairs Valery Kavaleuski is visiting Ukraine to establish official relations between the Cabinet and the Ukrainian authorities As part of the visit, Kavaleuski is set to inform the Ukrainian side about the activities of the Cabinet and hold consultations regarding the escalation of the Lukashenka regime’s involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Mr. Kavaleuski will also raise the issue of joint measures to protect the independence of both countries in the face of Russian aggression and resolve the internal political crisis in Belarus. Valery Kavaleuski also intends to discuss formats of cooperation between democratic Belarus and Ukraine in the international arena to achieve common goals.

Pavel Latushka, United Transitional Cabinet Representative for the Transit of Power, held meetings in Berlin at the Chancellery, the Foreign Office and the German Bundestag, and addressed the German Council on Foreign Relations The meetings were held to determine possible concrete steps of the German government to help defend the independence of Belarus against the backdrop of the Russian aggression and the Lukashenka regime rule. Mr. Latushka and German officials and politicians discussed: concrete steps to prevent the deployment of the Russian task force in the territory of Belarus; potential cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities of Germany and the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus; action plan vis-a-vis the Lukashenka regime; priority instruments of pressure on the Lukashenka regime to halt its support for Russian aggression against Ukraine; approaches to new personal sanctions and criminal prosecution of Lukashenka and his entourage for crimes against the Belarusian people and war crimes against the Ukrainian people; countering the regime’s alleged plans to deploy Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus; Ukraine's initiative to deploy a mission of international observers at the Belarus-Ukraine border.

On October 7 this year, Vladzimir Astapenka, a representative of the National's Anti-Crisis Management, spoke at the closing session of the OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw. This is the largest regional forum on human rights issues, which is attended by government delegations from OSCE participating States, as well as representatives of various civil society structures. For 10 days, more than 1,000 participants in the Conference discussed the most pressing problems related to the effective protection of human rights, the development of democratic institutions, and ensuring the priority of law. All this time the chair behind the sign "Belarus" remained empty, which is the best illustration of the Lukashenka regime's attitude to human rights in Belarus and to the fulfillment of international legal obligations in this sphere. The main theses of Vladimir Astapenko's report: — OSCE was the first international organization to respond to the acute political crisis in Belarus in 2020 and published one of Professor V. Benedek's first expert reports, which noted that "there is undeniable evidence that the August 9 presidential election was rigged and that there were massive and systematic human rights violations by law enforcement in response to peaceful demonstrations." — Since then, the legal situation in Belarus has continued to deteriorate: the number of political prisoners has increased more than tenfold (from 121 to 1,347) in the two years since the election, the list of crimes of the Lukashenko regime has expanded and now includes not only systematic human rights violations, but also: crimes against humanity, including torture; the act of air piracy; facilitation of illegal migration; actions to eliminate civil society and independent media; facilitation of armed aggression against Ukraine and creating a real threat to the sovereignty of the Republic of Belarus. — The position of the United Transitional Cabinet founded by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the voice of the new Belarus that must be heard on the world stage. The Council of Europe has already stopped all contacts with Lukashenko's regime and has developed mechanisms of interaction with democratic forces in Belarus. This is a good precedent to ensure that in the foreseeable future legitimate representatives of the Belarusian people will occupy the seats behind the "Belarus" sign. — The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to human rights defender Ales Bialiatski is an important gesture of recognition of the contribution of Belarusian civil society to the struggle for a democratic course and respect for human rights. The international community should consolidate its efforts to ensure that the Nobel laureate and all other political prisoners in Belarus are finally released. Download a PDF version of the speech here.

NAM lawyer Artsiom Praskalovich on the air of "Malanka” From the legal point of view, Russian citizens have no grounds to be mobilized in Belarus. The two countries have no treaties or regulations that would suggest this. Does this mean that the Russians are safe in Belarus? No. There are reports that our country has already made attempts to track down the citizens of the Russian Federation, especially those who book hotels and rent apartments by the day. For now — to know their whereabouts. But if necessary, they will most likely be arrested and extradited immediately. Moreover, the Russian security services themselves are in a position to reach out to their citizens: the relevant departments of the two regimes cooperate closely. The interest of the regime in this respect is clear: Lukashenko uses all means to avoid directly entering into conflict and to avoid starting an extremely unpopular mobilization among Belarusians. Therefore, it will be easier for the dictator to continue cooperation with Russia on this issue. And it does not matter whether the law is violated or not.

Pavel Latushka, a representative of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus on the transit of power, and the NAM continue to insist on the need to maximize the use of universal jurisdiction mechanisms in democratic countries. During the round table on universal jurisdiction held in Zurich (Switzerland) the NAM team representatives discussed with Swiss lawyers and human rights activists the strategy of actions for promotion of universal jurisdiction cases in Switzerland as well as other countries of the region. The application on initiation of relevant criminal proceedings and declaring the suspects wanted by Interpol is planned to be submitted to the General Prosecutor's Office of Switzerland in December 2022. The prospects for a positive consideration of this application are assessed as high. In addition, human rights defenders declared their readiness to represent the interests of other victims of repression in Belarus, who now live in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany, as well as who work in companies with foreign capital from these countries in Belarus. If you are one of these people, please contact us via the NAM chat-bot: @nau_by_bot Your message may be the one that will help put on the wanted list the regime's law enforcers involved in sadism or abuse of power.

The first meeting focused on the defense bloc of the strategy. The Representatives: finalized the Peramoga Plan, assessed the readiness for its activation, and decided to begin preparing the society for implementation of the Plan; approved the plans for several active law enforcement officials in the officer ranks to join the activities of the Cabinet; finalized the plan to open training centers (units) for Belarusians engaged in the activities to restore law and order in the country, led by Representatives of the Cabinet Aliaksandr Azarau and Valery Sakhashchyk, with Cabinet Representative Alina Koushyk joining their work to familiarize unit members with the national culture and history; discussed a logistical assistance plan for Belarusian military volunteers in Ukraine. The Representatives also discussed: candidates for the position of the Cabinet Representative on Social Issues; establishment of official relations with Ukraine; strengthening of the international coalition of support for Belarus for the future transition period: international recognition of the Cabinet and obtaining financial support for Belarus.

Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Representative for the Transit of Power Pavel Latushka, Representative for Foreign Affairs Valery Kavaleuski, Representative for the Restoration of Law and Order Aliaksandr Azarau, and Representative for Defense and National Security Valery Sakhaschyk took part in the meeting. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya told the Minister about the plans of the democratic forces, the situation of Belarusians in Poland, and Belarusians' support for Ukraine. Representatives of the Cabinet spoke about the work in their fields. Minister Mariusz Kamiński reinforced Poland’s support to the Belarusian democratic forces and the United Transitional Cabinet led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The Polish side also informed the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus about the changes in the Polish legislation simplifying the procedures for Belarusians in the country, as well as the activities of the Interior Ministry working group, which has been dealing with issues faced by Belarusians in Poland.

Putin is a man from the past. Ukraine will be free and independent Today we heard the words of a man from the past, who told us about the Soviet-Russian past, which he wants to revive. But it has no future, because the future is a whole, independent and free from occupants Ukraine and a free, democratic and independent Belarus. But what does a decision that grossly violates the principles of international law, which was announced in the Kremlin today, mean for Belarus? The Russian Federation will try to fully involve the Republic of Belarus in the aggressive actions against Ukraine, to involve the Belarusian people in the war. Lukashenko's actions to further support Russia in its aggression against Ukraine are directed against the national interests of Belarus and Belarusian society. If the usurper continues to support Russia's position, it will eventually lead to the loss of independence and the destruction of Belarus, so he must understand the full responsibility for his actions. It is important that Ukraine has shown Lukashenko very clearly what will happen if he agrees to the introduction of a new grouping of Russian troops on the territory of Belarus. The West should also give Lukashenko an ultimatum to show him the personal consequences of his continued support for Russian aggression. Our position is absolutely clear and open — we are for a united Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine and Long Live Belarus!

Representative of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, head of the National's Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka about the possible mobilization in Belarus "Sources report that Lukashenko has agreed to deploy a grouping of Russian troops in Belarus. If the sources' information is true, we should expect that martial law in Belarus may be declared following Russia after the annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territories. As a member of the so-called Union State, Belarus will have to enter a full-scale war. And even if this information is not confirmed tomorrow, it does not mean that it will not happen at all. There is one certainty — as long as Lukashenko is in power, the worst is inevitable. If there are any real officers left in the Belarusian military, it is your duty to turn your weapons against the dictator. Once hostilities start, you will become criminals and there will be no way back. The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus continues to work actively and consult with international partners to prevent the introduction of Russian troops in Belarus, and is preparing for resistance.