Six years ago, on August 9, 2020, Belarusians voted for democratic change, against brutal dictatorship and tyranny.
Hundreds of thousands went to the streets to defend their choice. “We are a nation, not slaves” – Belarusians chanted across the country.
We were so close to winning our country and our freedom. And the regime was on the brink of collapse.
Lukashenka survived – only thanks to Russia and Putin. And now, illegitimate Lukashenka pays Russia back with our sovereignty.
We didn’t know back then that Russia was planning its criminal attack on Ukraine. And Belarus was already part of its vicious plans.
Sometimes I think, if we had won back then – the full-scale invasion would probably have never started, and history might have gone a very different way.
Today, the fates of Belarus and Ukraine are intertwined. We understand that the new window of opportunity for us could be linked to the victory of Ukraine. If Ukraine is strong, Russia is weakened – it will be a chance for Belarus too.
That’s why today we do everything possible to support Ukraine.
We understand that changes in Belarus are our task. That is why, despite repression and exile, we continue to strengthen ourselves. We build institutions in exile. We support the repressed inside the country. We develop our civil society and independent media. We still have many supporters in the country, even among the nomenklatura – who also prepare for the new momentum.
All we have achieved – wouldn’t be possible without international solidarity. Without a strong and principled position of the European Union. Without the systemic policy of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia – who faced the biggest pressure from Minsk. And of course without the courageous fight of Ukrainians, who give us real hope.
Last year, we saw hundreds of political prisoners released – it would not be possible without the humanitarian efforts of Trump’s administration.
The move to pursue accountability at the ICC for crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenka’s regime gives us hope that justice will prevail.
We saw Ukraine starting to deal with Lukashenka from a position of strength, and building cooperation with democratic forces.
Ukraine, like the EU, understands well that only a free, independent, democratic Belarus can become a reliable neighbor, not a constant source of threat.
Dear friends,
Our fight is not over. We are committed to finishing what we’ve started in 2020. I do believe that Belarus can be a success story – a story of transition from dictatorship to democracy.
On this day, I ask you to stand with Belarus. To fight for the release of political prisoners. To keep pressure on Lukashenka’s regime, and of course – to stand firmly with Ukraine.
Together, we shall overcome.
Жыве Беларусь и Слава Украине!
