Zelenskyy: Lukashenko wanted presidential meeting, but it is Tsikhanouskaya who arrived in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commented on remarks by self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko about being willing to meet with the Ukrainian president, pointing out that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader in exile, has meanwhile arrived in Kyiv.

Source: Zelenskyy's speech at the 4th International Summit of Cities and Regions

Quote: "For the first time, representatives of Belarus are present at a meeting of this format. And Lukashenko has recently said the presidents of Ukraine and Belarus should finally meet. Interestingly enough, Lukashenko said it, but Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya arrived instead."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that most of those present clearly understand and feel the meaning of the phrase "For our freedom and yours", a historical slogan associated with mutual solidarity in struggles for independence and freedom.

"This is exactly how we are defending ourselves in Ukraine now, exactly how the freedom and independence of many others in Europe were defended, and exactly how the entire free world lives – thanks to the willingness of others to come to the aid of the one suffering from unjust strikes and wars of aggression," he added.

Background:

• On the morning of 25 May, Tsikhanouskaya arrived in Kyiv on her first official visit.
• On 21 May, Lukashenko claimed that he is open to talks with Zelenskyy and is willing to meet him anywhere. "If he [Zelenskyy – ed.] wants to discuss something, seek advice, or anything else, he is welcome to; we are open to this. I am willing to meet him at any location – Ukraine or Belarus – and discuss the issues in Belarusian-Ukrainian relations," he said.
• Later, the Ukrainian President's Office described Lukashenko's remarks about being willing to meet Zelenskyy anywhere, including in Ukraine, as "meaningless".

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