Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Italy ahead of an important historical milestone – the 80th anniversary of the country’s liberation from fascism. Belarusians also took part in this struggle. 81 years ago, 264 Belarusian soldiers lost their lives in the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya visited the Polish War Cemetery, where soldiers of Anders’ Army are buried, and laid flowers on the graves of Belarusians who helped liberate Bologna during World War II.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Eighty years ago, Bologna was occupied by the Nazis. The first troops to enter the city and bring liberation were the forces of Anders’ Army. This army was mostly composed of Polish citizens, but many Belarusians from Western Belarus were among its soldiers.
Our people fought not only for Italy’s freedom but for values – democracy, independence, and the right of a nation to live without dictatorship. They came to help the Italian people reclaim their country. They knew that freedom, no matter where, is always worth defending.
Today, many Belarusians are fighting in Ukraine to defend freedom once again. They understand that Ukraine’s victory means freedom for Belarus. 80 Belarusians have given their lives for this cause.
Freedom is never just about one nation. When we defend Ukraine, we defend Belarus, and we defend Europe. Today, as Belarusians continue their struggle for the future, we must remember that our country has always had heroes who stood on the side of freedom”.
