Belarus’s Future Sparks Clash Between Activist and Estonian Lawmaker

A bold proposal for a neutral Belarus ignites fierce opposition. Could this divide reshape the country’s path—or leave it in limbo?

, and Administrator

2025 December 25 . 3:35 AM

1 min read

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Belarus’s Future Sparks Clash Between Activist and Estonian Lawmaker

A dispute has flared between exiled Belarusian activist Sergei Tikhanovsky and Estonian lawmaker Marko Mihkelson over the future of Belarus. The disagreement centres on whether the country should adopt a neutral stance or push for closer ties with European countries.

Tikhanovsky recently proposed the idea of a 'neutral' Belarus, sparking criticism from Mihkelson, who chairs Estonia’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

Tikhanovsky put forward the concept of neutrality as a possible path for European countries. He also criticised the current Belarusian opposition, arguing that they lacked a coherent plan to challenge the government. In his view, a 'clear strategy' was needed to resist the regime effectively.

Mihkelson responded sharply, rejecting the neutrality proposal outright. He claimed that 'neutrality will not save Belarus' and instead called for the creation of an 'independent European state'—a model he compared to Ukraine’s trajectory. His remarks came during a session of the Estonian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. As of December 2025, no official statement from Belarusian authorities in Minsk has addressed either Tikhanovsky’s suggestions or Mihkelson’s comments. The lack of public reaction leaves the debate unresolved at an institutional level.

The exchange highlights a divide in approaches to Belarus’s political future. Mihkelson’s vision aligns with deeper European Union integration, while Tikhanovsky’s neutrality proposal suggests a different direction. For now, neither side has gained visible support from Minsk’s government.