Dear Belarusians!
It has been 79 years since one of the most terrible wars in history ended. The world defeated Nazism and Hitler’s dictatorship.
This day reminds us of human courage and self-sacrifice – and the people who fought for peace and freedom.
This day is not only about victory but also about remembrance. We honor the memory of all those killed and maimed. We remember all the horrors and pain that the war brought to Belarus.
This day also reminds us of the consequences of impunity and unlimited power. Of what happens when tyrants are willing to sacrifice people’s lives in the name of ideology and their own ambitions.
The war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine shows that not everyone has learned the lessons from what happened 80 years ago. Yet another tyrant has decided that he has the right to enslave others. Innocent people are being killed again. Our country is once again under the rule of tyranny.
And they are trying to drag our people into this war. TV screens talk about domestic and foreign enemies and glorify the war. Those who speak out against war are called “extremists” and “traitors”.
How come in Belarus, with its peace-loving people, even the words “No to War!” have become a crime?
Belarusians have never been aggressors. It is hard to find a more peaceful nation. We know how to live in harmony with our neighbors and find common ground with them. But we also know how to stand up for ourselves and those in need. We know how to fight and how to win.
Dear Belarusians!
On this day, I want to wish all of us peace. May Belarusians have freedom, and may Ukraine achieve victory over the aggressor.
