Belarus Context

#DueDiligence @MartaKosEU @DorotaDlouchy @eu_eeas @eu_enlargement_ @Europarl_EN @EU_Commission 1) Approximately $150,000 (≈ €130,000) in grant funds disappeared together with Anzhelika Melnikova (also spelled Melnikava) of the #TsikhanouskayaGroup. - What concrete steps have been taken to recover these funds? - Has an official investigation been initiated? - Which institution bears responsibility for financial oversight in this case? 2) From 2020 through December 2025, the EU mobilized over €200 million to support the people of Belarus: enlargement.ec.europa.eu/eu-support-peo…. This raises broader questions of systemic accountability. When will EU taxpayers see a full public report detailing the allocation of these funds, including specific beneficiaries and oversight mechanisms? #PublicQuestions #UnansweredQuestions #Belarus

Both Lukashenko and Tsikhanouskaya’s group are engaged in anti-people activities. The goals are the same: to stay afloat as long as possible on the Belarus agenda while enriching themselves at the expense of Belarusians. Trying to conceal or whitewash this reality is, at the very least, deeply immoral. И Лукашенко, и группа Тихановской занимаются антинародной деятельностью. Цели одинаковы: как можно дольше удерживаться на плаву за счёт темы Беларуси, обогащаясь за счёт беларусов. Пытаться скрывать или замыливать эту реальность — как минимум глубоко аморально.

Sveta 0.03 % Two years ago I wrote that the office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had reached the bottom with its "elections" to the so-called coordinating council. But today's election showed that these characters have become complete marginalized. If last time 6700 people out of almost 7 million Belarusian voters took part in the adventure and voted, this time - 2100, i.e. 0.03%. Nothing helped: neither hysterical appeals of Tsikhanouskaya, Latushka and their subordinates, nor information service on the part of service media, nor big money for advertising, including that of Russian bloggers. The result is quite natural, given that Tsikhanouskaya's office and its subordinate NGOs have long lost the trust of Belarusians because of numerous scandals, suspicions of corruption, negligence in working with data, because of which many of them ended up in the hands of the Belarusian special services, as well as infiltration by agents. What was worth one case of the speaker of the past "coordination council" Anzhalika Melnikava, who turned out to be a KGB officer and fled to Minsk with grant money. Belarusians passed judgment on political impostors and buffoons and voted with their feet. Everything is legitimate. Only one thing is striking: the shamelessness and impudence of people who call themselves leaders of the Belarusian opposition. The former official Pavel Latushka, bloated with importance, proudly declared himself the winner of the "elections": 42 percent of 0.03 percent of those who took part in this farce voted for him. I was not lazy to count: as much as 0.0126% of Belarusians voted for Latushka and his associates! In general, this time it was noticeable how difficult it was for Tihanovskaya's office to find participants in the pseudo-elections. Decent and sensible people refused to take part in this clownery. For the most part, those relying on Western grants and bums not willing to go to work and, I admit, a small part of naive people went for it. Although it seemed that by 2026 everyone had already realized that this council coordinates nothing and has no influence on anything. It is hard to watch how Western money is spent, which could have been spent not on the comfortable life of Tsikhanouskaya and Latushka, their meaningless and useless "offices" and "councils", but on helping numerous refugees, political prisoners, and independent media. So many people, thrown out or forced to flee from Belarus, need real help today. How is it not shameful to pretend to be "presidents", "ministers", "deputies" for so many years against the background of suffering of ordinary people? It feels like a complete tracing of Lukashenko and his junta. The differences, if there were any, have been erased by today. And in conclusion about the irony of numbers. In 2020, Lukashenko was nicknamed "Sasha 3 percent" because of his paltry support in pre-election polls. Six years later, his accidental vis-a-vis Tsikhanouskaya, due to her own stupidity and cowardice, and with the help of a talentless entourage, has reached 0.03 percent support. With what I congratulate. Source: Natallia Radzina, editor-in-chief of @charter_97 Sveta 0.03 % - Belarusian News - charter97.org/en/news/2026/5… Image: Belarusian diaspora social media

🇱🇹 Lithuania’s Belarus Democracy “Forbes List” And this is only a preliminary list - see the Open Letter to the President of Lithuania on Belarus Aid Transparency belarusforum.org/en/documents/o… Most of the data for 2025 is still not yet accounted for. And that’s just Lithuania. Meanwhile, the financials of entities associated with Viacorka and Liabedzka (advisors to S. Tsikhanouskaya) remain opaque. Belarusians have never even heard, for example, of organizations allegedly ranking at the top with €40 million in funding. What about other 🇪🇺EU member states? What about funding distributed through the European Parliament and EU institutions?

Lithuanian Prosecutor General's Office launches pre-trial investigation into potential fraud involving funds allocated to former Constitutional Court head for assistance to Belarusians As a reminder, on May 4, Belarusian opposition figures Valery Tsepkalo and Dmitry Bolkunets petitioned the Lithuanian Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the allocation of 200,000 euros to the NGO "Center for Law and Democracy." The organization was established at the European Humanities University and is headed by Dainius Žalimas, a current Member of the European Parliament, following his departure as head of the country's Constitutional Court. According to Tsepkalo and Bolkunets, there were no visible results from the NGO's activities. The petition was also joined by Lithuanian MEP Petras Gražulis and Member of the Seimas Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the "Dawn of Nemunas" party. In response, Žalimas claimed there was a "coordinated disinformation campaign" against him and stated that his NGO had conducted legal conferences regarding the crimes of the Lukashenko regime. Ultimately, the Prosecutor General's Office of Lithuania stated that it found it impossible to investigate the allegations against Žalimas without initiating a pre-trial investigation under Part 1 of Article 222 of the Criminal Code: "Fraudulent management and/or organization of financial records." Meanwhile, yesterday, May 14, searches were conducted at the premises of one of the complainants against Žalimas—Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the "Dawn of Nemunas" party and member of the Lithuanian Seimas. These searches were related to potential fraud involving the party's rental of vehicles from its own members. Dainius Žalimas. Photo: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Former Head of the Lithuanian Constitutional Court questioned over €200,000 allocated for legal aid to Belarusians On May 4, Belarusian politician Valery Tsepkalo and political analyst Dmitry Bolkunets filed an inquiry with the Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior. The document noted that Dainius Žalimas, who served as Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Lithuania from 2014 to 2021, founded and led the Center for Law and Democracy at the European Humanities University in Vilnius following his departure from office. "The stated activities of the organization," reads the text provided by Bolkunets and Tsepkalo (available to the editorial office), "included providing legal assistance and expert work related to human rights issues in Belarus. According to available data, the organization employed only one staff member. Currently, the organization's website is inaccessible, making it difficult to verify its activities and results. Available information suggests that total grant funding may have amounted to approximately €200,000. <…> …there are no visible or tangible results of such activities. As active participants in various events and initiatives related to the Belarusian democratic movement, we have no data regarding any significant activity by this organization, nor are we aware of any tangible assistance provided to victims of political repression in Belarus. Furthermore, we question the justification for significant expenses allegedly related to constitutional discussions on Belarus, given that implementing such academic developments is practically impossible in the current political climate. This raises serious concerns as to whether the organization's actual contribution corresponds to the amounts stated in its reports, or if this activity was merely an imitation of work." Over the course of three years, Žalimas himself received more than €78,000 from his organization. The inquiry was joined by Lithuanian MEP Petras Gražulis and Member of the Seimas and leader of the "Dawn of Nemunas" party, Remigijus Žemaitaitis. In response, Žalimas released an extensive Facebook post. His main points were: 🟣 This is a "coordinated disinformation campaign against me"; 🟣 "Donors had no complaints"; 🟣 These are "accusations and interpretations by various fringe elements"; 🟣 "I was a hired director of the Center." As examples of the organization's specific work, Žalimas cited a series of conferences on the crimes of the Lukashenko regime, as well as a "significant contribution to the application of the principle of universal jurisdiction in investigating the Lukashenko regime's crimes against humanity." It should be noted that, according to SOTA, appeals to Žalimas proposing the application of the principle of universal jurisdiction (prosecution based on international law in other countries) against Russian judges remained unanswered. Dainius Žalimas. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia

Pro-democracy Belarusians are publicly expressing votes of no confidence regarding S. Tsikhanouskaya and the structures associated with #TsikhanouskayaGroup. Statement ⬇️by Siarhei Dalivelia, former political prisoner (served 2 years), now in exile in Poland. In 2020, I voted for Tsikhanouskaya. In 2021, I became a political prisoner. In 2023, I was forced to flee Belarus, as the state seized by Lukashenko created unbearable conditions for me. In 2024, I became disillusioned with the so-called “opposition in exile.” I do not participate in receiving grants or in their “cutting up.” I also do not give my consent to the use of my name and my status as a political prisoner for any financial manipulations by the dubious “Tsikhanouskaya-Latushko” organization. All my achievements are my personal achievements, made possible thanks to the conditions and laws of the Republic of Poland. Source t.co/UtvKt6sWCi #Belarus #Tsikhanouskaya #NoMandate

Franak Viacorka: The Self-Appointed Foreman of Belarusian Democracy If Kisa Vorobyaninov in "The Twelve Chairs" was the “father of Russian democracy”, then Franak Viacorka now seems to be aiming for the title of the foreman of Belarusian democracy. Because once again, and again, from Viacorka we hear the same word: “to build”. All right. Then let’s review the “construction sites” of this long-serving political contractor: 2020: “We have obtained the foundation for building a new Belarusian society after Lukashenko”. 2021: “The priority is to build structures and help people inside Belarus”. 2022: “Now we can communicate with people, pressure officials, irritate Lukashenko so he shows his inadequacy, and also build structures like the Victory Plan”. 2023: “We managed to build our own structures between the OPC, the Coordination Council, and Tsikhanouskaya’s Office”. 2024: “Pressure is necessary, support for Belarusians in exile, support for institutions that build democratic forces”. 2025: “We have managed to build infrastructure abroad… This includes the diaspora, initiatives, solidarity funds. And passports!” And again: April 2026: “We need to build the Belarusian case” Each time he steps up to a podium and repeats the same phrase in different languages: “we need to build”, “надо строить”, “należy budować”. Only the conference venue, the hotel, and the format of the badge around his neck change. Especially striking today is the phrase: “Now everyone is learning from us, because this is a unique story”. Yes, unique indeed. Five years of his “structures,” infrastructure, cases, subjectivity, passports - and still something needs to be built. The course could be titled simply: "How to Say the Same Thing Every Year and Live Off Rhetoric About the Future of Belarus". 🤡A sad clown without imagination. He cannot even invent a new routine — he walks into the arena and repeats: “we need to build”. The audience has long since left, the bricks are covered with moss. And Franak still stands there with a trowel in his hand, mumbling about the “Belarusian case”. Well then, build, Franak, build. Just be careful not to build yourself a mausoleum. Source: t.me/phoenixosintvi… #TsikhanouskayaGroup #NoMandate #GrantHub #PoliticalGrifters #GrantSuckers #Lukashenko2

Siarhei Piatrukhin, a former political prisoner (served 3 years in prison), now living in exile in Poland 🇵🇱 and working full-time while reporting independently in his spare time, attended the protest against #TsikhanouskayaGroup on May 1, 2026, in Warsaw with a placard reading: “Info-servicing for ‘democratic forces’ is not journalism. Whom do the ‘independent’ media serve?” According to critics, so-called “independent media” are fully aligned with the grant-based structures associated with #TsikhanouskayaGroup. These outlets are also funded by Western taxpayers and function, in practice, as messaging channels for the same structures — rarely giving a platform to voices outside that circle and, at times, engaging in public attacks against them. Siarhei Piatrukhin also produced a live report from the protest: youtube.com/live/_qw7ZxRu1… Viewership figures are notable: Piatrukhin’s livestream drew approximately twice as many views as Tsikhanouskaya’s conference broadcast - an event also financed from 🫰Western public funds Event: x.com/BelarusContext…

A telling episode. This is what Tsikhanouskaya’s security is for — to shield her from Belarusians, who supported her in 2020, were forced to leave Belarus due to persecution by the Lukashenko regime, lost their homes and livelihoods... Notably, Tsikhanouskaya's security arrangements are funded by 🇪🇺European taxpayers, including those in 🇵🇱 Poland. 📹Two activists attempted to approach Tsikhanouskaya, but their path was blocked by two large bodyguards. Several others formed a second line of security. Meanwhile, she was giving interviews to loyal media and did not even turn her head toward the women who wanted to speak with her. After the interview, she left immediately through a back exit, surrounded by security. None of the journalists present asked the activists about the reasons for their protest. Event: x.com/BelarusContext…

“Imitation of democracy is just another form of dictatorship" Belarusian activists in Warsaw protesting against #TsikhanouskayaGroup Event: x.com/BelarusContext…

Lukashenko and Tsikhanouskaya: Different Rhetoric, Same Instincts "During Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s speech, a group of Belarusian activists staged a protest. The reaction proved highly revealing. A person who presents herself to donors as a democratic leader once again demonstrated an inability to engage in open dialogue with dissenting voices. When ignoring uncomfortable questions is chosen over conversation, it resembles the very model of power that is supposedly being opposed. Lukashenko does not listen to society, to public demands, to criticism, or to alternative opinions. Today, we observe similar traits in those who once promised change. Democracy does not begin with grand statements or polished slogans. It begins with a willingness to listen, to respond to difficult questions, and to respect the right to disagree. Change is not needed by either Lukashenko or Tsikhanouskaya. They will cling to power until their fingers turn blue." Source: t.me/bolkunets1/175… * On the protesters’ placards were the following slogans: “Conference ≠ Results. WHERE ARE THE RESULTS?” “Tsikhanouskaya = Lukashenko” “Tsikhanouskaya, where is the mandate?” “Svetlana, return the money to Lukashenko - clear your conscience.” Location of the event: x.com/BelarusContext…

Protest Against Tsikhanouskaya Held in Poland A protest against Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Office took place in Warsaw outside the Sound Garden Hotel, the venue for the 5th Conference of Belarusians of the World. The "Ultimatum" Telegram channel had announced the protest in advance. Organizers accuse Tsikhanouskaya’s Office of misappropriating donor funds, leaking personal data, and engaging in "imitation" political activity. During Tsikhanouskaya’s speech, protesters unfurled banners with slogans such as "Conference ≠ Results," "Tsikhanouskaya, where is the mandate?", "Tsikhanouskaya = Lukashenko," and "Sveta, give the money back to Sasha, clear your conscience." Among those present was blogger Siarhei Piatrukhin, a vocal critic of the Office's activities. Tsikhanouskaya stated that she was aware the protest was being organized and believes that people have the right to express their opinions. She added that she is ready to speak with the protesters and hear their grievances, provided they can formulate specific proposals. Photo: Reform.news, Euroradio.

Warsaw Protest Against Self-Appointed Actors #TsikhanouskayaGroup 📍 Warsaw — May 1 Sound Garden Hotel, Żwirki i Wigury 18 🕘 9:30–13:30 On May 1, a protest will take place in Warsaw against the activities of self-appointed actors who, under the guise of representing the people of Belarus, are accused of misappropriating Western donor funds, involvement in personal data leaks to the KGB, and facilitating politically motivated arrests. The protest will be held near the venue where, on May 1–2, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is hosting the “5th Conference of Belarusians Worldwide.” According to the organizers, such events do not address real problems but serve to absorb allocated funding. The event has been officially registered. Source: t.me/democraticBLR/…

@MicWawrykiewicz A recurring paradox: European institutions and MEPs routinely refer to Tsikhanouskaya as a “leader.” Yet within Belarusian society - including large parts of the diaspora - this designation is far from universally accepted. Leadership is measured by mandate and results.

Polsko-białoruski bohater! Liderka białoruskiej opozycji o Andrzeju Poczobucie

From comments by Belarusians about #TsikhanouskayaGroup: “When these grant-suckers lived in Belarus, hardly anyone knew them. Once they left, even more people forgot them.”

We are escalating pressure on #RaiffeisenBank over its role in sustaining financial flows for Russia’s war economy and its involvement in human rights violations in Belarus. Following a hearing in the @Europarl_EN, our petition has been formally accepted for further investigation. We are moving forward now: ➡️ mobilizing MEPs to support a formal Question to @EU_Commission ➡️ challenging a system where some are sanctioned, while someone prospers If an EU-based bank can remain a key financial conduit for Russia what do EU sanctions really mean? This is a test of whether EU law actually works. @vonderleyen @EP_President @anticorruption @EUombudsman @EP_Petitions @Reuters #EU #Sanctions #RuleOfLaw #EuropeanParliament #Russia #Ukraine #Belarus

🐰Wishing everyone a peaceful and hopeful Easter.

"The United States now has a strong bargaining asset in the digital space. If Minsk is eager to restore broadcasting on Western platforms, the conditions are simple: all restrictions must be lifted and political prisoners in Belarus must be released. Lukashenko has no cards",- @Belarus_Forum t.me/belarusforumor… 3/3

“A monkey is far less harmful than those trash outlets that for years spread lies, incited hatred, and generously poured out their bile. Sometimes even a small change turns out to be far healthier for the information space than resources behind which nothing has long remained except toxicity",- @Balkunets t.me/bolkunets1/173… 2/3

Three major Belarusian state media channels -news agency BelTA, ONT, and STV- have been removed from YouTube. In January 2025, the Belarus Democratic Forum formally appealed to YouTube, requesting the removal of Belarusian state propaganda channels spreading disinformation, incitement, and war narratives. t.me/belarusforumor… The initiators submitted detailed evidence and documented examples. YouTube confirmed that a comprehensive review had been launched. The process required time. The initiators submitted detailed evidence and documented examples. YouTube confirmed that a comprehensive review had been launched. The process required time. Today, the outcome is visible. Consistent, result-driven work — without noise or self-promotion: @Belarus_Forum @Balkunets 1/3