Women in security and an armored motorcade. How Ukraine organized the security of Tsikhanouskaya's visit to Kyiv

Outwardly, everything looked discreet: no police motorcycles, flashing lights, or demonstrative street closures. In the city traffic, these were black cars driving at a small distance from each other.

But behind this outward "invisibility" stood a well-thought-out security system.

Level for Top Officials

It became clear already on the way to Kyiv that this would be a visit with a very serious level of security.

Immediately after crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border, two employees of the Ukrainian State Protection Department entered the Belarusian delegation's train car. Tall, calm, with radios and weapons. During the visit, they constantly monitored the situation with air raid alerts, missiles, and drones and were the first to receive information. So when an air raid alert sounded in Kyiv, one could be sure — if the guards were calm, everything was fine.

Security was provided by the State Protection Department of Ukraine — a structure responsible for the security of the country's leadership and high-level foreign delegations. These are the employees who accompany presidents, prime ministers, and international missions during their trips around Ukraine.

The hotel where the Belarusian delegation stayed was also under their protection. Interesting fact: these same guards ensured the security of Prince Harry during his visit to Kyiv.

Smiling Security

Security personnel were constantly next to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and not only men. Yes, Sviatlana was also guarded by women, which is quite rare.

A female guard was with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya from her very arrival at the Kyiv railway station.

Павялічыць

On the first day, she was maximally composed, serious, and taciturn. At the end of the second day of the visit, at a certain moment, she whispered to the photographer:

"Bring her (Sviatlana — NN) some water, she is very tired."

When the photographer brought a glass of water, the female guard, standing behind Sviatlana, mouthed "Thank you".

Павялічыць

Security accompanied the delegation everywhere, including inside government buildings — controlling corridors, routes, and movements.

Павялічыць

Any Excessive Attention Is a Risk

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's advisor Dzianis Kuchynski admits: the level of organization and security was one of the highest he had seen.

"The Ukrainian side effectively took over all logistics and security for the delegation. Not every visit includes a protocol service that constantly accompanies and resolves all issues. Here, they did everything in such a way that we simply had to observe how professionally people did their job," he says.

At the same time, Tsikhanouskaya's own position remained unchanged:

"Less noise, fewer flashing lights."

What cars were in the motorcade?

The Belarusian delegation's motorcade consisted of several cars, including police cars in front and behind, as well as an ambulance.

The main cars of the motorcade were Volkswagen Multivan, Ford Tourneo Custom, and Toyota Land Cruiser 300.

Volkswagen Multivan has been used for many years by European delegations, security services, and government structures. The car has a large cabin, a high level of comfort, and good maneuverability. Inside, such vehicles are often adapted to the needs of delegations: additional communication or special equipment is installed.

Such minivans can regularly be seen during NATO summits, EU meetings, and international negotiations.

Павялічыць

Next in the motorcade was a Ford Tourneo Custom. In recent years, these minivans have been actively used by Ukrainian government structures and international delegations. New models feature 360-degree cameras, lane control systems, and electronic driver assistants. This is important for motorcades: cars must move precisely and synchronously even in dense urban traffic.

The armored black Land Cruiser 300 is the central car of the motorcade. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya traveled in such a vehicle during her movements around Kyiv.

This is one of the most popular vehicles for state protection. The Land Cruiser 300 is used by law enforcement agencies, security services, and VIP motorcades in various countries — from the Middle East to Europe.

The main reason is reliability. This SUV is designed for difficult conditions, bad roads, and prolonged operation. Land Cruisers are often used in countries with heightened security risks; they protect against small arms and explosions.

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