Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition, during her visit to Kyiv emphasized the importance of Ukraine perceiving a future free Belarus as a partner and neighbor, rather than a potential threat.
This is reported by Finway
Partnership between Ukraine and democratic Belarus
“Today we discussed further cooperation between Ukraine and the democratic forces of Belarus. It is very important for us that Ukraine sees a free Belarus as a future partner and neighbor, not a threat. Only a free, democratic Belarus will become a factor of stability and security in the region, rather than a tool of the Kremlin’s aggressive policy,” she stated in Kyiv at a joint press conference with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
Tikhanovskaya emphasized that Ukraine is currently defending not only its independence but also the right of other nations to live without the pressure of imperial ambitions. She also expressed her belief that Ukraine’s success in the war will open the way to freedom for the Belarusian people.
Interaction and support for Belarusians in Ukraine
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya welcomed the appointment of Yaroslav Chernogor as ambassador for special assignments, emphasizing that this decision will contribute to establishing close cooperation and addressing urgent issues faced by Belarusians in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, in turn, emphasized that Ukraine clearly distinguishes between the regime that dragged Belarus into the war on the side of Russia and Belarusian society. He stressed that the Belarusian people have the right to freedom, independence, and to determine their own future.
Sybiha specifically noted the contribution of Belarusian volunteers, journalists, human rights defenders, and activists to the joint struggle against Russian aggression. According to him, more than 90 citizens of Belarus have died fighting alongside Ukrainians against a common enemy – imperial Russia.
He also reported that a position of ambassador for special assignments has been created within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to develop effective cooperation with the democratic forces of Belarus.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya arrived in Kyiv on May 25. In a comment to the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe, she called her visit historic and emphasized her intention to discuss issues concerning Belarusians living and fighting in Ukraine. The opposition leader also believes that Ukraine’s victory will open a “window of opportunities” for Belarus and is against the easing of European sanctions on the Lukashenko regime.