Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The Zapad-2025 Belarus–Russia military exercise began today. We all understand that it is not about Belarus’ security. On the contrary, this exercise is about subordinating our country to Russia and dragging Belarusians into someone else’s war.
This year, the exercise includes testing Russia’s Oreshnik and tactical nuclear weapons. This poses a tangible threat not only to the region but also to Belarusians themselves.
Lukashenka is yet again putting the Belarusian people in harm’s way. Instead of thinking about people’s safety, he is helping Putin in his aggression against Ukraine and threatening our neighbors. This is precisely why Poland is closing its border and Lithuania is strengthening security – and ordinary Belarusians are the ones who suffer.
For years, Lukashenka has justified his rule with claims of ‘stability’. But today, he is the one bringing chaos and danger to Belarus.
We Belarusians did not choose this path. Our true interest is to live in a free and peaceful country, to be part of a secure Europe. Belarus should be a source of peace, not of threats.
I call on Belarusian servicemen and all those who make decisions not to become part of someone else’s provocations. The cost of mistakes could be too high for Belarus and for each of us”.
Photo: AP, Zapad-2021 exercise
