Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced that she takes on the responsibility to stand up for the independence and national interests of the Republic of Belarus and forms the Transitional Cabinet as the national authority. The Operational Headquarters of the democratic forces supports her decision as the national leader, and representative of the Belarusian people, elected by a majority in the 2020 elections.
In this regard, we call on all citizens of our country to share this responsibility and do everything possible to stop the war and defend the independence of the Republic of Belarus.
It is crucial that each and every one of us be able to convey to colleagues, friends and loved ones the monstrous truth about what is happening. The Operational Headquarters of the democratic forces urges Belarusians to demonstrate solidarity, support each other, and discuss together what steps we can take to protect our families, defend the independence of Belarus, and get ready for scenarios that seemed impossible yesterday.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya:
“I never thought I would have to say this. And I would never dream of saying this, but… A war broke out. A war that many did not believe in, that many feared, and none of us wanted. I understand that now everyone has more questions than answers. And I will answer some of them.
Yes, indeed, the regime made our country a full-fledged participant in the war, and now Belarus is at risk of military strikes. This is nothing but treason.
Yes, no one can feel safe in Belarus. Alien, Russian troops are in our country. Their presence makes it obvious that Lukashenka is not in control of the situation with the troop presence. Instead, Putin is.
The regime made the decision to shift the focus to other events to hide its illegitimacy – and started a war. Now, its every step brings the tank cannons closer to the windows of Belarusians’ houses. I am talking about those who live in Belarus. Those Belarusians who have previously found refuge in Ukraine are already seeing explosions out their windows.
Yes, this morning changed everything. This is no longer an internal political crisis – this is a war in which Belarus is a participant, although we all oppose it. Now, in addition to defending political prisoners and fighting for new elections, we need to struggle for the very existence of our country, its independence, and sovereignty. Freedom and responsibility always go hand in hand. It is time for everyone to take responsibility for our country. It is time to create a nationwide anti-war movement and get ready to defend Belarus’ sovereignty.
The ambitions of the two dictators led to a real regional state of war. Together with all our partners, including the Coordination Council, National Anti-Crisis Management, and ByPol, we are urgently changing the strategy for these purposes. One of our tasks is to make everyone aware of the situation: Putin started the war, and Lukashenka and those who follow his orders are accomplices of the military aggression.
Our country opposes war. For me, for all democratic forces and for Belarus, the key goal now is to stop the war so that our children do not have to study in the bomb shelters, so that our soldiers do not kill each other, and so that the whole region does not turn into hell for many years.
Dear Belarusians, I wish I could look into the eyes of each of you, say that we are together, and assure you that we will share with you all the news and keep you informed. Dear Ukrainians, on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity and support, and on behalf of Belarusians, I would like to say: we are ashamed that our country’s territory is used in this war. And we are ready to do whatever it takes to stop the aggressors and this catastrophe.
Zhyvye Belarus, and Slava Ukraini!”
