Vadzim Kaushou was imprisoned after someone reported him to the KGB, where his health seriously deteriorated. After his release, he faced the threat of renewed persecution. Now, at the age of 55, he is trying to rebuild his life in a new country.
Vadzim Kaushou is 55 years old and comes from Minsk. Before his imprisonment and forced exile, he worked as a flight operator for an airline. Everything changed in 2022, when he openly spoke out against the war and did not hide his views.
“At that time, I had an argument with an acquaintance from Berdiansk who supported the 'Russian world.' He threatened me several times and then reported me to the KGB. In the autumn of 2022, I was arrested right at work, at the airport. They broke into my phone, found my subscriptions to 'extremist' Telegram channels and my correspondence with Ukrainian friends, where I had spoken critically about Lukashenka. In the end, I was sentenced to two years in a correctional facility.”
Prison took a severe toll on my health. There was constant pressure, and even receiving letters became a problem. I developed serious inflammation of the ligaments and tendons in my right hand, but my complaints were ignored by the prison administration. My varicose vein condition also became much worse. I had undergone surgery on my leg just a month before my arrest, but the conditions in the remand centre and later in prison made everything worse than before the operation.
“To be honest, I thought I would die there.”
I was released on February 15, 2025. Returning to my previous profession in aviation was no longer possible. I tried to get a job driving airport transfers, but they asked whether I had a criminal record. Then they simply said, 'So you don't love your country?' Even the state forestry service refused to hire me. At the employment office, they offered me a job as a loader without even asking about my education or work experience.
In May 2026, I was forced to leave for Poland. Along with being unable to find work, the risk of renewed political persecution continued to grow. I lost everything – not only my career and my health, but also my hope of earning a pension and keeping my home.
In Poland, I have almost no one. My family and loved ones are far away. I often struggle with loneliness and despair, but I am doing my best not to give in to depression.
I need support during this difficult period to cover the cost of renting accommodation and to rebuild my everyday life. I would be deeply grateful for your understanding and support.
Fundraising goal
€2100
€1500 – rent for the next several months
€600 – essential living expenses