The organizations BYSOL PL FOUNDATION (Poland) and BYSOL USA International Foundation (United States), previously registered for the purposes of BYSOL’s strategic development and sustainability, are currently not under the control of the Foundation’s team. They were not transferred to the team and continue to be controlled by the former founder, A. Stryzhak.
On September 11, it became known that 52 prisoners had been released and forcibly taken out of the country. Many were left completely without documents, and all without any means of subsistence. At that time, BYSOL announced an emergency fundraiser with the goal of raising €50,000. Together, however, we raised more than €111,000.
We are summing up the results of 2025 and would like to present them through key figures. They demonstrate the solidarity of Belarusians, the strength of our community, and our ability to act together. Shall we take a look?
Sergey and Elena Khvostenok moved from Belarus to Poland with their two daughters 2.5 years ago due to political persecution. In exile, Sergey suddenly developed extremely high blood pressure, and doctors delivered shocking news — his kidneys had failed. To save her husband’s life, Elena made a courageous decision: to donate one of her own kidneys.
Belarusian journalist Alena Dubovik, a single mother of three living in Lithuania, is facing an expensive court case due to a dispute with her former landlord. She needs support to defend herself and avoid falling into debt.
Orthodox priest and founder of Christian Vision, Alexander Shramko, is asking for support for his six-year-old grandson Matvei, who has a severe form of autism.
In 2020, Maria* took part in protests and joined a strike. Today the woman is in desperation: as a former political prisoner, it is difficult for her to find a well-paid job, money is not enough, and she has a child whom Maria is raising on her own.
After spending a year and a half in prison, Pinsk resident Vladislav Navarich was forced to leave Belarus. He is now awaiting a decision on international protection and needs support to cover rent, medical care, and basic living expenses during his first months of freedom.
Because the child requires a lot of attention and effort, Irina does not work. The family lives only on the husband’s salary, but specialized training for the boy is expensive.
Sergey and Elena Khvostenok moved from Belarus to Poland with their two daughters 2.5 years ago due to political persecution. In exile, Sergey suddenly developed extremely high blood pressure, and doctors delivered shocking news — his kidneys had failed. To save her husband’s life, Elena made a courageous decision: to donate one of her own kidneys.
For exposing the identities of government officials and security officers, Pavel was sentenced to three and a half years in Penal Colony No. 22. Even after being forced to sign a pardon request, the authorities continued to pressure and monitor him upon release. Eventually, Pavel had to flee Belarus.
An actor who was forced to leave Belarus after sentencing is now awaiting work authorization and urgently needs support while he is unable to earn a living.
Belarusian volunteer “Raccoon,” who serves as a tactical training instructor in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, prepares recruits for real combat. This fundraiser is for a generator, a portable power station, and heating equipment to conduct training in freezing temperatures and without electricity.
Belarusian journalist Alena Dubovik, a single mother of three living in Lithuania, is facing an expensive court case due to a dispute with her former landlord. She needs support to defend herself and avoid falling into debt.
A Belarusian man was forced to flee his country after fully serving his sentence as a political prisoner, leaving behind his mother who is battling cancer.
Because the child requires a lot of attention and effort, Irina does not work. The family lives only on the husband’s salary, but specialized training for the boy is expensive.
In February last year, artist and activist Violetta Maishuk finally received a residence permit in Slovakia and found a job. Life began to stabilize – but pregnancy changed everything. She was dismissed and is now left without savings or the ability to work. I am an artist from Petrikov; I lived in Gomel. In 2020, I joined t
Orthodox priest and founder of Christian Vision, Alexander Shramko, is asking for support for his six-year-old grandson Matvei, who has a severe form of autism.
In November 2025, a group of Ukrainian citizens was released after being held in Belarus on political charges. They were extracted from the country and handed over to the Ukrainian side.
Until August 2020, we, like all Belarusians, were engaged in our own projects, but we couldn't stay away when the country was gripped by a wave of violence and lawlessness. Now we help those who suffered at the hands of the regime.
BYSOL supports released political prisoners and their families, people forced to leave the country, Belarusian volunteers in Ukraine, and initiatives that help Belarusians fight lawlessness in the country.
Former political prisoner Pavel Seviarynets spent more than 11 years behind bars and, after being deported from Belarus, is starting life in exile from scratch. He plans to resume his public work, publish books, and launch a YouTube channel – and is asking for support.
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The independent media project “Nottoday.media” has become a voice for stigmatized communities who are most often denied empathy by institutions: people struggling with addiction in exile, dissidents and activists, women and queer artists, representatives of counterculture and the underground scene.
130 Territorial Defense Battalion needs your help. To further carry out the tasks of liberating and defending positions in the Kharkiv region, the fighters need to acquire three portable monocular night vision devices.
Belarusian volunteers are ready to take on a new challenge and participate in demining liberated territories so that civilians can return there.
The Telegram channel of the medical initiative «Белые халаты» tells about the real situation in the health care system in Belarus. The project team needs your support.
After persecution and being blocked in Belarus, the “Vitebsky Courier news” team continues to fight for the truth about their hometown. The project is now on the brink of closure – this fundraiser will help keep the newsroom running and launch new formats.
Former political prisoner Pavel Seviarynets spent more than 11 years behind bars and, after being deported from Belarus, is starting life in exile from scratch. He plans to resume his public work, publish books, and launch a YouTube channel – and is asking for support.
The Ethnocultural Center “Svitаnak” was created to teach Belarusian traditions, folklore, and language. It gives Belarusians the opportunity to preserve their culture and identity in exile, and offers people from other countries a chance to discover Belarusian heritage. Due to funding difficulties, the center now faces the risk of suspending its core activities.
The independent media project “Nottoday.media” has become a voice for stigmatized communities who are most often denied empathy by institutions: people struggling with addiction in exile, dissidents and activists, women and queer artists, representatives of counterculture and the underground scene.
BGmedia is an independent regional media outlet that reports daily on the issues facing Brest and the Brest region, asking hard-hitting questions to those in power. The publication is raising funds to pay key staff members whose work helps bring the truth to tens of thousands of Belarusians, despite repression and pressure.
After persecution and being blocked in Belarus, the “Vitebsky Courier news” team continues to fight for the truth about their hometown. The project is now on the brink of closure – this fundraiser will help keep the newsroom running and launch new formats.
Belarusian volunteers are ready to take on a new challenge and participate in demining liberated territories so that civilians can return there.
As of August 14, 2025
