As of 1 October, Lithuania reduced the level of Tsikhanouskaya’s physical security, which cost the country EUR 1 million a year. Responsibility for her protection was transferred from the Dignitary Protection Service (VAT) to the Criminal Police Burau. Her office briefly suspended its activities citing such short notice over the changes.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys assured reporters that Lithuania’s position on Belarus has not changed.
“We have much to do together. Lithuania is ready, I am ready to continue cooperating. Whereas all the issues related to organising security, I hope, will be professionally and promptly resolved by services,” Budrys told ELTA on Wednesday.
The head of Lithuania’s diplomacy did not speculate whether Tsikhanouskaya’s office might consider moving to another country. He noted that Lithuania had accredited her office and maintains an official, state-like, relationship with it. He said Lithuania must create conditions for the office to function and solve all problems.
According to Budrys, some politicians are escalating the issue looking to capitalise on short-term political gains, which harms Lithuania’s politics.
Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas said that Lithuania has actively cooperated with Belarusian opposition, whereas support has only grown stronger.
“This is completely unrelated to our political views and support of Belarusian democratic forces. We supported, support and will continue to support Belarusian democratic forces,” Olekas told ELTA.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stressed that Tsikhanouskaya’s protection was not lifted but its level was changed taking into account the threat assessment.
Tsikhanouskaya took part in the 2020 Belarusian presidential election, in which Alexander Lukashenko was once again declared the winner. She then fled from Belarus to Lithuania for safety concerns and has resided in Vilnius since.
Tsikhanouskaya’s husband Syarhei had planned to challenge Lukashenko in the election but was imprisoned in Belarus in 2020. He was released with a dozen other political prisoners in June 2025 and reunited with his wife in Lithuania.
Public broadcaster LRT reported that the level of physical security of Tsikhanouskaya was reduced on 1 October.
According to LRT, protection of the Belarusian opposition leader cost Lithuania EUR 1 million annually. This included 24/7 physical security, cars to ensure protection, maintenance of a residence and using airport VIP terminals.