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Novaya Gazeta Europe
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
Individuals posing as Novaya Gazeta Europe reporters attempt interview with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya — Novaya Gazeta Europe
Two individuals, falsely hired through Telegram by individuals posing as journalists from Novaya Gazeta Europe, have been detained in Lithuania attempting to conduct an interview with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, independent Belarusian news site Zerkalo reported on Wednesday. One of the detained individuals, Ihor — an 18-year-old Ukrainian citizen who has lived in Vilnius since 2022 — told Zerkalo he genuinely believed he was working with Novaya Gazeta Europe's editorial team. Shortly prior to scheduling the interview with Tsikhanouskaya, Ihor says he had posted in a Telegram group that he was looking for freelance work. A few days later, he received a message from a woman calling herself Ilona, who introduced herself as an editor with Novaya Gazeta Europe. 'Ilona' wrote that she was looking for someone to film an interview with Tsikhanouskaya on the publication's behalf. She sent Ihor €100 in advance of the interview, and sent the location where it would take place, as well as contact information for the opposition leader's press secretary. According to Zerkalo, in addition, 'Ilona' sent Ihor a list of questions. They concerned the recent release of Belarusian opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski, his plans for the near future, his position on sanctions, as well as Lithuania's attitude towards Belarusians. To Ihor, there were no red flags. 'I didn't doubt that Ilona really was from Novaya Gazeta Europe,' he told Zerkalo. 'I was fully confident when they sent over press credentials with the publication's logo.' Ihor enlisted his friend, a Lithuanian citizen, to assist with the filming of the interview. He says neither had reason to believe they were being deceived. But Ihor and his associate's behaviour, as well as the documents they submitted for inspection, aroused suspicion in the Tsikhanouskaya camp, and press secretary Anna Krasulina quickly reported her concerns to the opposition leader's chief political advisor, Franak Viačorka, after which they contacted Novaya Gazeta Europe editor-in-chief Kirill Martynov. 'He confirmed that Novaya had indeed planned an interview with Sviatlana — but the two individuals had nothing to do with the outlet,' Viačorka told Zerkalo. After this, the police were quickly called to the interview location. Ihor and his associate had their equipment confiscated and were taken in for questioning. According to Zerkalo, Lithuanian authorities are currently investigating the incident. This is not the first time that unknown individuals have presented themselves as journalists from Novaya Gazeta Europe. As reported at the end of May, several politicians and public figures in Europe have received interview requests from individuals falsely claiming to work with Novaya Europe.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Belarusian opposition leader sees Ukraine's victory as chance for regime change in Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition, believes that Ukraine's victory in the war could become an opportunity for regime change in Belarus. Source: Tsikhanouskaya speaking in Warsaw on 26 January, as reported by European Pravda citing Zerkalo, a Belarusian media outlet Details: Tsikhanouskaya outlined several scenarios that could create a window of opportunity for regime change in Belarus, all the while Alexander Lukashenko is being "re-elected" for the seventh term in the sham elections on 26 January. Firstly, she noted that such an opportunity would arise with Ukraine's victory in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Quote: "This is why I support giving Ukraine everything possible to ensure their victory and to put them in a strong position during negotiations. Ukraine's victory means a weakened Putin, and consequently, a weakened Lukashenko. He is already very weak, relying solely on Putin's support." Details: Tsikhanouskaya also said a window of opportunity could emerge due to economic issues faced by Belarus. Quote: "This could happen because of some economic problems if Lukashenko's pockets are empty due to sanctions. And the regime will not be able to maintain so-called economic stability in Belarus." More details: Additionally, Tsikhanouskaya suggested that a regime change could be linked to Lukashenko's health. "We shouldn't count on this, but it's also possible. Or it could be another unexpected event – a so-called 'black swan' – that could appear suddenly," she added. Tsikhanouskaya stated that the task of democratic forces and Belarusians is to be prepared for such a moment. Background: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos issued a joint statement declaring the Belarusian presidential "elections" on 26 January as fraudulent. Lukashenko responded, saying he "don't care" whether the West recognises the presidential "elections". Support UP or become our patron!
