Tikhanovskaia believes that Europe can do nothing about the situation around Belarus

According to the former presidential candidate, “European leaders are acting cautiously, always looking back at Russia”

The countries of Europe only express concern but can do nothing about the situation around Belarus. This opinion was expressed by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in her interview published in the American magazine The New Yorker on Sunday.

“When I was an ordinary person, I thought Europe was so close and great, and its leaders so strong, that they would definitely do something. They cannot sit idly by. Now I see that even though they have expressed their concern – their solidarity – they cannot actually do anything”, –  the opposition leader believes. – “We have been working on imposing economic sanctions for months, and it is all so slow and complicated.”

According to her, “European leaders are acting cautiously, always looking back at Russia”.

“I grew up in a family that taught us to always be grateful. So that may be my mistake. Gradually I am coming to realise that I should not be thankful for mere statements of concern – that we should demand concrete action. I am learning very slowly”, –  said Tihanovskaya.