On February 2, a rally in memory of those killed in Ukraine was held in Vilnius, organized by the Dapamoga. Belarusians took part in the event to honor the victims of Russian aggression and express solidarity with Ukraine. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, delivered a speech, holding a portrait of Maryia Zaitsava throughout the event.
Anatoli Liabedzka: “Putin has the same goals with regard to both Ukraine and Belarus – annexation and total control. In Ukraine, he pursues this through missiles and drones; in Belarus, through Lukashenka. We do not want to live in a Russian ‘communal apartment’. Our dream is to live in our own homes – Ukrainian and Belarusian – in a European neighborhood”.
A video address by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was also shown during the rally. She expressed her support for the Ukrainian people and emphasized the solidarity of Belarusians with Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. She noted that Ukraine’s struggle for freedom is inseparably linked to Belarusians’ struggle for democracy and expressed confidence that, together, the nations of Eastern Europe will be able to defeat imperialism and achieve a just peace:
“This cold winter is especially harsh for Ukraine. Homes lack heating, light, and electricity. Let our solidarity, even a little, warm people. And our donations will help them obtain the essentials.
Dear Ukrainians, remember: Belarusians are on your side. Belarusians are not the regime.
Belarus and Ukraine are part of democratic Europe. And I believe that together, we will overcome Russian imperialism and achieve a just peace”.
