Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addresses Belarusians on the occasion of Freedom Day, the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Belarusian Democratic Republic:
“Dear friends,
Today is March 25. Belarus Freedom Day and International Day of Solidarity.
More than a century ago, in 1918, Belarusians declared independence. They declared the right to be free. The right to speak their language. The right to choose their future.
This historic day has become a symbol of hope and resistance against tyranny.
Today, we continue that fight. Because Belarus is still not free.
Our country is under a dictatorship. Under Russia’s influence. Under fear. Lukashenka tries to erase our identity. He imprisons those who speak the truth. He wants the world to forget about Belarus.
But we will not let that happen. Because Belarus is not Lukashenka.
Belarus is its people.
Brave people. Strong people. People who resist every day. People who go to jail for supporting Ukraine.
Even now, more than a thousand political prisoners remain behind bars. For every person released, the regime takes more people hostage.
We must demand their freedom. We must not forget them.
Freedom Day is also a day of solidarity.
Solidarity with those in prison. Solidarity with those in exile.
Solidarity with all who continue the fight.
And solidarity with Ukraine.
Because the fate of Belarus and Ukraine is intertwined. Ukrainians are defending their freedom with courage and dignity. And Belarusians stand with them.
A free Ukraine means a free Belarus. And a free Belarus means a safer Europe.
Dear friends,
Wherever you are today—Vilnius, Warsaw, Toronto, Berlin, Kyiv—stand together. Raise our white-red-white flag. Join rallies. Speak about Belarus. Use your voice.
Show the world that Belarus lives. That Belarus will be free. That the spirit of our revolution carries on.
Lukashenka wants us to feel isolated. But we are not alone. We are strong. And we are united.
I want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years, both with words and actions. Thanks to you, we are moving closer to freedom.
I believe with all my heart that we will celebrate this day in a free Belarus soon. I hope you will join us.
And until that day, we will not stop. We are not waiting for freedom. We are building it.
Long live Belarus!”
