In Belarus, Dzianis (Dennis) Kuchynski was sentenced to 11 years in prison in a show trial. Today, operating out of exile, he helps drive the foreign policy of the Belarusian democratic movement.
As Diplomatic Advisor to the exiled President-elect, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Dzianis is on the front lines of high-stakes international diplomacy. From testifying before the U.S. Congress on human rights abuses to coordinating complex negotiations freeing over 500 political prisoners, his work saves lives.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dzianis in Vilnius, Lithuania, to discuss:
– The diplomatic fight to free political hostages
– The massive “brain drain” and labor crisis unfolding inside Belarus.
– What it’s like for over half a million Belarusians in exile to be without passports who are unable to renew them without returning to Belarus.
– How supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty equals supporting the sovereignty of the freedom-seeking people of Belarus.
An insightful conversation on diplomacy, resilience, and what real political courage looks like under threat is forthcoming. Thank you to Dzianis and President Tsikhanouskaya for showing the rest of the world what political, moral, and physical courage look like and for the generosity of your time.
