Alexandra Milinkevich Was Posthumously Awarded The Officer's Cross Of The Order Of Merit Of The Republic Of Poland

• 22.08.2026, 14:06

The decision to award the honor was made by the President of Poland.

Polish President Karol Nawrotsky posthumously awarded Belarusian opposition figure and presidential candidate Alexander Milinkevich the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

The high state award was presented at the memorial service, which is taking place today in Warsaw, was presented to the politician’s widow, Inna Kulei, by Leszek Skibel, an advisor to the Polish president.

Alexander Milinkevich passed away on August 11.

In 2006, Alexander Milinkevich was the “unified” candidate of the democratic opposition in the presidential election in Belarus. He later founded the “For Freedom” civic movement and led it until 2016.

Milinkevich was born in Grodno. From 1990 to 1996, he served as deputy chairman of the Grodno City Executive Committee. During that time, he actively promoted the “Belarusianization” of the city.

In November 2025, Milinkevich underwent major surgery. Examinations revealed that his right carotid artery was 80% blocked by a blood clot. Following the surgery, the politician developed cerebral edema and spent three weeks in intensive care. This was followed by a lengthy period of treatment and rehabilitation.