Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya plans to open mission of Belarusian democratic forces in Ukraine

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya intends to open a mission of the Belarusian democratic forces in Ukraine soon.

Source: Tsikhanouskaya in an interview with European Pravda

Details: Tsikhanouskaya said she is hoping to be in Ukraine for Belarus's national holiday, Freedom Day, which is celebrated on 25 March.

Quote: "We are currently waiting for confirmation from the Ukrainian side regarding the dates and are also holding discussions about the substantive part. There are a lot of issues – logistics and security. And of course, I don't want to come empty-handed, but to bring aid for the volunteers. It's very important for me to support Ukraine now, because the fate of Belarus depends on the fate of Ukraine."

Details: Tsikhanouskaya believes her visit will send a strong message to Belarusians.

Quote: "The message that Ukraine stands for a free Belarus, that Lukashenko is a war criminal, that Belarusians and Ukrainians are standing together against Russian imperialism. This is truly important, as Belarusians look at Ukraine with great hope and see President Zelenskyy as a leader not only of Ukraine but of the entire region."

Details: Tsikhanouskaya said that during her visit she will be opening a representative office – the Mission of the Belarusian democratic forces in Ukraine.

"We already have a mission in Brussels, and in Estonia, Czechia and Italy, and we are now opening one in Portugal," she said.

In addition, the Belarusian opposition leader expects to resolve a number of practical issues, including the status of Belarusians in Ukraine.

"This is a painful issue for many, and a very important one. It affects Belarusians who served in the defence forces of Ukraine and have completed their service; Belarusians whose passports have expired; and Belarusian children born in Ukraine," Tsikhanouskaya explained.

She also said that negotiations are underway on joint projects through which Belarusians could help rebuild Ukraine.

Quote: "We have a proposal on coordination in information policy and in countering Russian propaganda. I'm very much hoping that it will be possible to meet with the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian parliament], the diaspora, military volunteers and Belarusian volunteers."

Background:

• In January, Tsikhanouskaya and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held their first official meeting in Vilnius.
• Tsikhanouskaya has also called on Belarusians to take to the streets with Belarusian and Ukrainian flags on 25 March – Freedom Day.

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