Opponents Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Siarhei Tsikhanouski participate in a pro-Ukraine demonstration in Vilnius
Belarusian Opposition Figure Proposes Autonomous "Islands" Abroad
In a recent development, Belarusian opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski has proposed the creation of semi-autonomous Belarusian "islands" outside Belarus, if efforts to overthrow Alexander Lukashenko's regime fail. This idea was first mentioned in early July 2025 as a contingency for exiled Belarusians to establish autonomous communities abroad.
Tsikhanouski's proposal suggests that these autonomous zones would serve as a means for Belarusians to preserve their community and culture, even if they are unable to return to their homeland. However, Lithuanian politicians have dismissed this proposal as "absurd," emphasizing that Belarusians in Lithuania do not intend to build such autonomous zones.
Lithuanian authorities have expressed concern about the national security risks associated with autonomous enclaves, particularly given recent demographic changes linked to Russian-speaking migrants. This cautious stance reflects Lithuania's priority in defending its sovereignty and security over accommodating semi-autonomous enclaves on its soil.
The ongoing political crisis in Belarus, marked by Lukashenko's authoritarian rule and repression of opposition, has led to a significant number of Belarusians seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Lithuania. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, another prominent Belarusian opposition figure, and her husband Siarhei joined the 148th weekly rally in Vilnius Cathedral Square on Monday in solidarity with Ukraine.
Tsikhanouski has also reiterated that Belarusians are not helping the Russians in their ongoing conflict with Ukraine. He emphasized that Vilnius belongs to Lithuania and stressed the importance of unity in the face of pressure from the enemy. Tsikhanouskaya, for her part, highlighted the need for pressure to be put on the Lukashenko regime that has dragged Belarus into the war by supporting Russia. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity with the US, the European Union, and the whole free democratic world.
In a recent YouTube broadcast, Tsikhanouski suggested that Belarusians forced to flee their country could create autonomous "islands" abroad if Lukashenko's regime could not be overthrown. However, it is important to note that this proposal has not been endorsed by Lithuanian authorities and is viewed more as a speculative or symbolic statement by opposition figures rather than a practical or welcomed policy.
This development reflects the complicated political and security situation around Belarus and its diaspora, with Lithuania balancing humanitarian refuge and national security. The proposal has no official traction and is unlikely to be implemented given Lithuanian government responses.
[1] Source: Lithuanian Public Broadcasting [2] Source: European Council on Foreign Relations [3] Source: The Guardian [4] Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty [5] Source: The Washington Post
- The proposal for Belarusian autonomous "islands" abroad, suggested by opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski, is a means for Belarusians to preserve their culture amid the ongoing war-and-conflicts in their homeland, but it's been dismissed as "absurd" by Lithuanian politicians due to concerns about defense and national security.
- Politics in Belarus remain fraught, with ongoing efforts to overthrow Alexander Lukashenko's regime, and the establishment of autonomous Belarusian communities abroad serving as a general-news topic for many international outlets, adding to the wider debate about culture and politics.
- In the midst of this complex political landscape, defense and the maintenance of national security are key priorities for Lithuania, as they grapple with the challenges posed by autonomous enclaves, population changes, and the diaspora seeking refuge due to the war and Lukashenko's authoritarian rule.
