Tikhanovskaya Comments on Alleged Connections Between Ukrainian Official Yermak and Belarusian Regime

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition in exile, has acknowledged receiving information regarding potential connections between Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Belarusian government, but stated she cannot definitively confirm these claims.

Tikhanovskaya addressed the matter in an interview with European Truth, responding to questions about Yermak’s perceived restrained approach towards Belarus although serving as chief of staff.

“I can’t spread conspiracy theories about this,” Tikhanovskaya stated. “We, of course, heard and knew that Mr. Ermak previously had some kind of relationship with the regime, with Belarus, but for my part confirm this 100%.”

EuroPravda has previously reported that sources within the Ukrainian presidential office and government have denied any direct involvement by Yermak in fostering ties with Belarus. These sources reportedly attributed a cautious approach to Belarus as stemming from concerns about the weakness and fragmentation within the Belarusian democratic movement, and the potential for instability on the Belarusian border.

This discussion follows a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Tikhanovskaya in Vilnius, Lithuania, on January 25, where Zelensky agreed to consider a visit to Ukraine by Tikhanovskaya, according to the Belarusian opposition leader.

Read the full interview with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya on European Truth.