Ukrainian lawmakers issued a statement marking the 35th anniversary of Belarus’ declaration of independence. It was issued on behalf of the inter-factional parliamentary group “For Democratic Belarus!”
“On August 25, 1991, the Supreme Council of Belarus granted the Declaration of State Sovereignty the status of a constitutional law. On this day, the Belarusian people restored their statehood and gained the opportunity to determine their own future independently.
Thirty-five years have passed. Today, Belarus formally remains an independent state, but its sovereignty is being systematically destroyed by the regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka and its dependence on the Russian Federation. Belarus has been turned into a military springboard for Russian aggression against Ukraine, while its territory is being used against neighboring states.
The Lukashenka regime has not only usurped power but is also systematically destroying Belarusian national identity. Belarusians have been deprived of their true Independence Day, people are persecuted for using historical national symbols, and thousands of citizens have been imprisoned for their political views.
In recent months, the regime has sought to create the impression of “liberalization” by releasing individual political prisoners as part of agreements with the West. But the release of hundreds of people does not abolish the system of repression itself: political persecution continues, and Belarusians continue to risk their freedom for the right to openly oppose the dictatorship.
Today, the fate of an independent Belarus is also being decided on the front line in Ukraine. Belarusian volunteers serving in Ukraine’s defense forces are fighting Russian imperialism with weapons in their hands, defending not only Ukraine but also the future of a free Belarus.
The inter-factional parliamentary association “For Democratic Belarus!” supports the right of the Belarusian people to determine the fate of their state independently. The future of Belarus is a sovereign, democratic and European country, free from dictatorship and external control.
We believe that the white-red-white flag will once again fly over Minsk, political prisoners will return home, and the Belarusian people will be able to celebrate their independence in a free and democratic state.
Long Live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”, the statement said.
