“On July 3, we commemorate the liberation of Minsk from Nazi occupation and honor those who gave their lives so that Belarus could be free.
This date must remain in our collective memory. It reminds us of the terrible price of peace, security, and a nation’s right to live freely on its own land.
That is why today it is especially important to ask ourselves: what kind of Belarus do we want to see?
For me, it is a country where people are not afraid to speak their minds. Where parents do not spend years waiting for their children to return from prison. Where people can raise their children in peace, speak their native language, and plan for the future without fearing that their homeland will be used in someone else’s war. Where people do not have to leave their country and then fear returning home. Where you do not have to express your opinions behind closed doors.
But today, reality is different. Many of you feel it every day: the pain of separation, the exhaustion of waiting, the constant worry for your loved ones. On top of that, Russian weapons and military infrastructure are being deployed on our territory. Belarusian airfields, roads, and enterprises are being used to serve Russia’s interests. Every such facility makes Belarus less secure, putting both the people of our country and our neighbors at greater risk.
Belarusians do not support this war and have never given their consent for our land to be used to launch attacks against Ukraine. The responsibility for this lies with the Lukashenka regime and Russia.
Independence begins with the simple freedoms: being able to live in your own country, raise your children, speak your native language, elect your government, and know that no one else is deciding your country’s future.
This is the Belarus we deserve: free from endless repression, free from the Russian military presence, and free from complicity in war. A Belarus that is a safe home for its people and determines its own future.
I know the day will come soon when we will be able to call our country truly independent and free. And the word ‘liberation’ will remain a part of our memory of the past, rather than a necessity of the present”.
