Lithuania downgrades security protection for Belarusian opposition figure MEP cites fading political influence as reason for decision

The Belarusian opposition in exile has temporarily suspended part of its operations following a decision by the Lithuanian government to downgrade security protections for its leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Lithuanian officials announced earlier this week that Tsikhanouskaya would no longer receive the same level of protection as state leaders, as reported by Lithuanian media outlet LRT.

Tsikhanouskaya and her team have been based in the capital Vilnius since 2020, after she left Belarus following her challenge to President Alexander Lukashenko in that year’s presidential elections. Since relocating, she has received round-the-clock security both in Lithuania and abroad and was granted Category C “official guest” status, typically reserved for foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries.

According to LRT, maintaining her protection has cost around €1 million annually, covering 24-hour security, security vehicles, housing, and access to VIP airport terminals.

Lithuanian MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, honorary chairman of the prime minister’s Social Democratic Party, said the change reflected Tsikhanouskaya’s evolving political role. He noted that she no longer holds the same influence she once did, particularly after her husband’s recent release from prison.

“Tsikhanouskaya today does not play the same role as she did two or three years ago, especially after her husband’s recent release from prison,” Andriukaitis said. Asked if she still faced threats, he added: “She is unlikely to significantly influence public opinion inside Belarus. The situation has changed, and her figure is no longer seen as a threat.”

Under the new arrangement, Tsikhanouskaya’s security will now be handled by the Criminal Police Bureau (CPB) instead of the Dignitary Protection Service (DPS)—a change described by LRT as a “downgrade.” The DPS protects Lithuania’s highest-ranking officials, while the CPB is responsible for individuals who “may objectively face certain threats.”

Tsikhanouskaya is married to Sergei Tikhanovsky, a YouTube blogger and opposition figure who was imprisoned in 2020 for charges pertaining to organizing mass unrest. He was released in June 2025 under a US-mediated deal authorized by Lukashenko himself, along with several other political prisoners.

Their shared residence and office in Vilnius will continue to be guarded, but during foreign trips, her protection will now depend on security arrangements provided by the host country.

By Nazrin Sadigova