sviatlana tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a leader of the democratic opposition of Belarus, is seen here in Krakow, Poland, in 2022.

Belarus’s exiled opposition leader wants to “remind” Americans of something important

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko has been in power for more than 30 years and just won another election widely regarded as rigged. Why are the streets of Minsk quiet? Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who continues to advocate for democracy and increased Western pressure on the Belarusian regime from Lithuania, talked to GZERO’s Alex Kliment about the road ahead.

GZERO celebrates International Women's Day

GZERO World Clips

GZERO celebrates International Women's Day

On International Women's Day, we’re proud to showcase just a few of the exceptional women we’ve interviewed on “GZERO World with Ian Bremmer,” our weekly program on US public television. The accomplishments of these remarkable women have made them role models globally.

Is there actually a bromance between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko?

GZERO World Clips

Is there actually a bromance between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko?

"The whole world understands that these two people are not friends," says Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The Belarusian opposition leader says that the Sochi meeting was a ruse to persuade the world that the two countries are aligned, when in fact another scheme may be at play.

This Belarusian great-grandmother is one of Lukashenko’s fiercest critics

GZERO World Clips

This Belarusian great-grandmother is one of Lukashenko’s fiercest critics

Nina Baginskaya, 73 years old, is a fearless, political hero in Belarus, but she is not the only woman fighting for freedom in Belarus. Baginskaya, along with many emboldened women (and men) in Belarus, outraged by president Lukashenko's oppressive dictatorship, are leading a powerful movement for human rights.

Will sanctions work against Lukashenko?

GZERO World Clips

Will sanctions work against Lukashenko?

Belarusian "people do not feel safe," says Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The Belarusian opposition leader suggests that sanctions against Lukashenko will ultimately help to free political prisoners, stop violence, and pave the way for new elections.

The fight for democracy in Europe's last dictatorship

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

The fight for democracy in Europe's last dictatorship

In a very moving interview with Ian Bremmer, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expresses deep hopes and fears for her home country of Belarus. After diverting a Ryanair flight to arrest a dissident journalist, will President Alexander Lukashenko now be held accountable by leaders of the Western world?

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast

Podcast: Fighting for democracy in "Europe's last dictatorship"

Listen: Is there a path to democracy for Europe's last dictatorship, Belarus? Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discusses her hopes and fears for the country with Ian Bremmer on the GZERO World Podcast.

Life under dictatorship in Belarus

GZERO World Clips

Life under dictatorship in Belarus

What should you put in your bag before leaving home in Belarus nowadays if you openly criticize the government? Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya recommends packing an extra pair of pants and socks in case you get kidnapped or thrown in jail because under strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, you "feel that you don't have rights at all."
Her conversation with Ian Bremmer is part of an interview on the upcoming episode of GZERO World, which begins airing on US public television Friday, June 11. Check local listings.