On August 9, events took place in Gdańsk for the Day of Solidarity with Belarus, organized by the Cities of Gdańsk and Sopot, the Pomeranian Voivodeship Local Government, the European Solidarity Centre, the Chatka Belarusian Cultural Association, the Association of Belarusians of Pomerania, the Belarusian community “Gdańsk 23.34”, and the Viasna Human Rights Center.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski, took part in the events to represent the democratic forces of Belarus. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the European Solidarity Centre and Gdańsk as global symbols of the struggle for dignity and democracy. Mr. Kuchynski stressed that the history of Poland’s Solidarity Movement serves as both an example and an inspiration for Belarusians. He also expressed gratitude to the Polish side for years of support for Belarusians and the 2025 Kosciuszko Conference in Gdańsk during Poland’s EU Presidency.
Dzianis Kuchynski mentioned Belarusian cultural figures invited to Gdańsk for the occasion, including Alhierd Bakharevich, Yuliya Tsimafeeva, and Liavon Volski, calling their work Belarus’ “cultural weapon”. He thanked the Belarusian diaspora in Gdańsk, which he described as a “living link to the homeland” that continues to preserve Belarusian culture, language, and memory.
He also addressed former political prisoners present at the event, including Ihar Karnei and Alana Gebremariam: “Your presence is proof that the regime can take away freedom but cannot break the will. We will continue our work to free all political prisoners – including our shared hero of Belarus and Poland, Andrzej Poczobut”.
Reflecting on the five years since 2020, he recalled the repression and torture but also the courage, solidarity, and heroism of Belarusians. Mr. Kuchynski stressed that many of those who stood up against violence later went on to defend Ukraine, and since 2022, Belarusians have raised more aid for Ukrainians than for their own needs. “Even today, we remain true to our ancestors’ motto: ‘For our freedom and yours!’”
A key point of his speech was that the struggle of Belarusians is inseparable from the fight of Ukrainians, Georgians, and other peoples of the region against the “Russian world” and for democracy worldwide. Gdańsk, he noted, is an example of how, even in the darkest times, it is possible to build hope and achieve victory.
Wrapping up his address, Mr. Kuchynski expressed heartfelt thanks to the organizers and everyone who has supported the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy over the past years. He addressed special words of gratitude to Gdańsk and Sopot Deputy Mayors Monika Chabior and Michał Banacki, as well as European Solidarity Centre Director Basil Kerski.
