Anzhalika Mielnikava, a Belarusian opposition figure who vanished from Warsaw in March 2025, has reportedly been sighted in Minsk.
Disappearance and Recent Sightings
Recent photos of Mielnikava surfaced nearly a year after she disappeared in March 2025, according to The Insider. The Belarusian oppositionist, previously residing in Warsaw, was reportedly identified in materials published by fitness trainer Galina Kazanceva.
The Insider reports that screenshots from an Instagram story were shared by the Ukrainian Telegram channel BalaganOFF. Journalists from The Insider and Euroradio then analyzed the images, with several people who know Mielnikava confirming her identity.
Identifying Marks and Confirmation Attempts
A key piece of evidence is a tattoo visible on her left arm, which she reportedly got while in Poland, suggesting the photos are current. The service contacted the fitness club associated with the photo publication and confirmed the trainer’s existence, but she declined to comment. A man identifying himself as Edward also refused to answer questions.
Background and Previous Movements
Mielnikava was the chairwoman of the Coordinating Council of Belarus, considered the equivalent of an emigrant parliament of the Belarusian opposition. She disappeared shortly after assuming this role.
Prior reports indicated she spent several days in London, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates after leaving Poland. Contact with her was lost at the end of March 2025, with initial signals suggesting her phone was connecting to networks in Minsk.
Financial Concerns and Personal Connections
Reports surfaced regarding missing funds from the Belarus Liberty foundation, which was linked to Mielnikava and supported Belarusian opposition activities. The Insider also reports that Mielnikava had been in a relationship with Belarusian intelligence officer Alexei Lobeyev since at least 2023.
