Ukraine shifts policy toward Belarusian opposition; Tsikhanouskaya visits Kyiv (defence24.com)

• Tsikhanouskaya met Zelenskyy and Sybiha; discussed Belarusian and Ukrainian independence
• Mission of Democratic Belarus office opened in Kyiv
• Expert Kłysiński: visit allows distinction for sanctions policy between regime and repressed
• Prior to 2026, Ukraine kept limited ties with opposition; trade with Minsk continued
• Opposition's Coordination Council elections in May 2026 had low turnout

"Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian opposition in exile, made her first official visit to Kyiv on May 25-26, 2026, meeting President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha. The visit marks a pivot in Ukraine's policy from limited engagement to establishing formal ties. A Mission of Democratic Belarus office was opened. Analysts see diplomatic success but no major regional changes without Kremlin change."