Belarus Opposition Leader Urges Poland to Keep Borders Open Amid Tensions

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called on the Polish government to maintain open border crossings with Belarus amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. Tikhanovskaya emphasized the importance of keeping Belarusians connected to Europe and warned against the creation of a new iron curtain that could isolate the country. The Polish government has been considering closing border checkpoints with Belarus due to concerns over illegal migration, which they believe is being encouraged by Belarusian authorities. The European Union has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of facilitating the influx of migrants from the Middle East and Africa as retaliation against sanctions imposed on his regime. The closure of several border checkpoints by Poland has raised fears of a complete shutdown, prompting Tikhanovskaya to advocate for targeted actions against the dictator rather than the people. The opposition leader has drawn parallels to the Cold War era division of Europe, highlighting the potential consequences of isolating Belarusians from the international community. Tikhanovskaya rose to prominence in 2020 as a symbol of opposition to Lukashenko’s regime following a disputed presidential election, which saw her forced into exile in Lithuania. Despite facing treason charges and a lengthy prison sentence in absentia, Tikhanovskaya remains a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights in Belarus.