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Belarusians are on Ukraine’s side, not the aggressor’s. Belarus, like Ukraine, is part of Europe, not the “Russian world.” The outcome of the war will also determine Belarus’s fate. If Ukraine is strong and Russia is weak, this will open the way for Belarus’s liberation as well. This was stated by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in an address marking the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Four years ago, imperial Russia attacked Ukraine. Four years of Russian missiles and drones striking homes, hospitals, schools. And already eleven years of people dying because Russia decided that everything is allowed to it.
It is frightening even to think that war has become routine. But it is impossible to get used to this. To get used to images of destroyed cities. To news of people killed by yet another horrific attack. To children, instead of schools or kindergartens, being forced to hide in bomb shelters.
We, Belarusians, admire Ukrainian courage. How you support one another, how you defend your country — at the front and in the rear. How Ukrainian volunteers work, how doctors save lives under shelling, how energy workers restore electricity after strikes. How Ukrainians try every day to live, to love, to protect one another — and preserve their humanity.
We, Belarusians, know what Russia is. We know its imperial appetites. We know what tyranny is. We understand that today Ukraine is fighting not only for itself, but for all of us — including for a free Belarus.
That is why four years ago, and even earlier, many Belarusians went as volunteers to fight for Ukraine. Many paid the highest price — their lives. Even today, on this day, many Belarusians are on the front line or in Russian captivity — and we pray for their lives and for Ukraine’s victory.
We also pray for Belarusian political prisoners: hundreds of them are in prisons for solidarity with Ukraine, for trying to stop Russian equipment, or for spreading the truth about the war.
After the start of the full-scale invasion, many Belarusians remained in Ukraine — despite shelling and problems with documents — also in order to help. The Belarusian community in Ukraine volunteers, raises funds, helps veterans. And the Belarusian diaspora around the world donates money to the Ukrainian army and to humanitarian programmes.
The fate of Belarus also depends on the outcome of the war. If Ukraine is strong and Russia is weak, this will open the path to Belarus’s liberation as well. Because today our country is a hostage of two dictators, it is being turned into a Russian military base and an assembly shop for the Russian army. Nuclear weapons and ‘Oreshnik’ are being deployed. All of this is being done against the will of Belarusians. But our people, I am convinced, will still have their say.
We, Belarusians, are on Ukraine’s side, not the aggressor’s. We — like Ukraine — are part of Europe, not the ‘Russian world.’ And together we will be able to achieve freedom and peace for our peoples. Together we will be able to achieve justice and hold those responsible to account.
Thank you to the Ukrainian people. Thank you to Belarusian fighters, volunteers, and everyone who supports Ukraine in this difficult time. Thank you for your solidarity and courage. Together we will overcome everything.
Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!” she said.