March 25 is a special date for Belarusians. It is a day marked by its history, a sense of unity, and the aspiration for freedom and independence.
It is also significant because of the support Belarusians receive from the international community. Yesterday, politicians, diplomats, governments of democratic countries, and international organizations expressed their solidarity with Belarusians and yet again demonstrated their stance toward the Belarusian people and the regime.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has compiled statements from international partners on the occasion of the holiday.
EU
European Parliament
“Sovereignty is not an abstract concept, but a lived reality that must be actively defended against external pressure and internal erosion. It reflects the determination of Belarusians to remain masters of their own destiny, to preserve their statehood, and to resist any path that would compromise their independence or lead to subjugation”.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/en/d-by/documents/communiques
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
“Today, we mark the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus, known as Freedom Day. On this day in 1918, Belarus proclaimed independence. For millions of Belarusians, this anniversary has become a powerful symbol of resistance against an oppressive dictatorship. And we take this opportunity to reiterate our support for all Belarusians who are fighting for a free and democratic country”.
https://x.com/Tsihanouskaya/status/2036816486791053684
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
“On Belarus Freedom Day, we express our full solidarity with the people of Belarus in their pursuit of freedom, dignity, and fundamental rights. We stand with Belarus, their civil society, democratic trade unions, and independent media in their work for a free and democratic Belarus.
https://x.com/EU_EESC/status/2036692053791498505
European External Action Service (EEAS)
“On Belarus Freedom Day, we reaffirm the EU’s solidarity with the people of Belarus. Belarusians mark the 1918 declaration of independence and their enduring aspiration for a free and democratic country. The EU will continue to support a democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus”.
https://x.com/eu_eeas/status/2036714861523317224?s=20
Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (DG NEAR)
“On Belarus Freedom Day, we celebrate all those who keep the hope of a future sovereign and democratic Belarus alive. We will continue to support the people of Belarus in their fight for freedom and democracy”.
https://x.com/eu_enlargement_/status/2036720515683869164?s=46
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament (AFET)
“This day reminds us that hope for a democratic, sovereign and European Belarus must never fade”.
https://x.com/EP_ForeignAff/status/2036844805439770673
European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament (EPP Group)
“Today, on Belarus Freedom Day, we stand with the people of Belarus. For many, this day symbolizes their statehood and the enduring hope for a free and democratic country. We believe that a free Belarus without the dictator Lukashenka is possible, and we will continue to support that future”.
https://x.com/EPPGroup/status/2036729977102553332 https://x.com/EPPGroup/status/2036761274550198341?s=20 https://x.com/eppgroup/status/2036797825304977899?s=46
Helmut Brandstätter, MEP
“As the European Parliament’s Rapporteur on Belarus, I’m thinking about Freedom Day. Dictator Lukashenka does not want independence, has submitted to Putin, and is offering his country as a platform for Russian war crimes. We support President-Elect Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya”.
https://x.com/HBrandstaetter/status/2036723789728301306?s=20
Mariusz Kamiński, MEP
“Today is Belarus Freedom Day — a holiday that the Lukashenka regime does not recognize and which reminds us that Belarus is an independent and sovereign state and that the Belarusian people demand freedom. Symbolically, today also marks the fifth anniversary of the imprisonment of our steadfast compatriot, Andrei Pochobut. The Lukashenka regime is afraid of freedom, afraid of free people. That is why he tries to suffocate it by falsifying history, fighting against memory, and persecuting those he cannot strip of their freedom, those who have the courage to speak the truth. But he will not win this struggle. Millions of people in their hearts in Belarus, millions in Poland, and also today in the European Parliament, we say: Long Live Belarus! Freedom for Poczobut!”
https://x.com/Kaminski_M_/status/2036835751212528042
Michal Kobosko, MEP
“Today is the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus and the fifth anniversary of the imprisonment of journalist Poczobut. On this day, I express my solidarity with the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom, democracy, and civil rights. In today’s unstable international situation, we often forget about those whose struggles are not covered daily in the media, but who suffer in silence and are forced to live in fear — at home or abroad — for themselves and their loved ones. A free and safe Belarus is a state interest of Poland. We also do not stop in our efforts to free journalist Poczobut, who is paying the highest price for his courage and struggle. Long Live Belarus!”
https://x.com/michalkobosko/status/2036848305947254892
Małgorzata Gosiewska, MEP
“Today in the European Parliament, the flag of an independent Belarus was raised to mark Freedom Day. This is a symbolic but very important gesture of solidarity with the Belarusian people — with all those who do not give up in the struggle for freedom, dignity, and democracy. The initiative was made by me and other members of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Belarus. At a time when the regime is trying to erase the memory of Freedom Day and suppress all expressions of independence, such actions are of special significance. They show that Europe remembers and supports the free people of Belarus. Long Live Belarus!”
Council of Europe (CoE)
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
“The ongoing resistance against the Lukashenka regime reminds us that human rights and local democracy must be defended”.
https://x.com/coecongress/status/2036726894566027570?s=46
Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
“Today is a day every Belarusian knows — Freedom Day. And this is a day of the people who have yet to win real independence and genuine security for themselves. Belarus has experienced difficult twists and turns in its history, and the reality is that Europe’s attention to Belarus was insufficient at critical moments. But Belarus cannot be lost. And the Belarusian people should certainly not be ignored. The fact that Lukashenka chose this very day for a trip to Pyongyang — further from his people and closer to his dream of lifelong family rule – speaks volumes about his intentions. Europe is a community of free peoples. There should be no place here for hereditary dictatorships. There should be no place here for regimes that profit from trading sovereignty and helping terror and aggression. Europe needs peace. And therefore, all European peoples need freedom without exception. We wish the Belarusian people freedom, and we thank those Belarusians who stand alongside Ukrainians in defending against Russian aggression. Žyvie Biełaruś!”
https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2036863778940129763
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
“We congratulate Belarusians on March 25 — Freedom Day.We stand with the Belarusian people in their struggle for a free, democratic, European future. We express our solidarity with all those who continue to fight for liberty. We are deeply grateful to all Belarusians who are defending Ukraine today in the ranks of the Armed Forces against Russian aggression. Today, we also honor all those who have sacrificed their lives and their freedom. Belarus is not Russia. Belarusians are a European nation that deserves and will inevitably regain its freedom. The destinies of our nations are intertwined. Ukraine’s victory will open the path to a free Belarus.Long Live Belarus!”
https://x.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/2036878726626005041
Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian MP
“The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Caucus “For a Democratic Belarus” stands firmly with the Belarusian warriors at the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment and all others fighting on the front lines alongside Ukrainian soldiers for our shared freedom, as well as democratic forces of Belarus and their leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in their tireless pursuit of a sovereign, European Belarus”.
https://x.com/goncharenkoua/status/2036729792435736946?s=46
Iryna Gerashchenko, Ukrainian MP
“On Freedom Day of Belarus, we called for breaking diplomatic relations with the Lukashenka regime and recognizing Belarus as a territory occupied by Russia. We also urged the international community to strengthen sanctions and hold all accomplices in the war against Ukraine accountable. March 25, 1918 — the proclamation of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, the first step toward statehood. We thank Belarusians who are fighting alongside Ukraine, especially the soldiers of the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. Žyvie Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”
https://x.com/IrynaGerashche2/status/2037084735801897316?s=20
Lithuania
Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania
“On Belarusian Freedom Day, we join you in remembering and celebrating the pursuit of freedom that lives in the heart of every person. This day symbolizes your tenacity and determination to build a free, democratic, and pluralistic Belarus — a state where respect for human rights, the rule of law, and civil society is not a privilege of the chosen few, but an inseparable part of everyday life for everyone”.
Department of Strategic Communications of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“Belarusians mark the 1918 declaration of independence and their enduring aspiration for a democratic country. Unfortunately, meanwhile, 889 people are being kept behind bars for their political views. We continue supporting those who are striving for a free Belarus. Жыве Беларусь!”
https://x.com/lt_mfa_stratcom/status/2036799820807929993?s=46
Rasa Juknevičienė, MEP
“Dear Belarusians! Congratulations on Freedom Day. Your nation is alive – the year 2020 showed that. Regimes are falling, Europe is uniting, and Belarus will return as a democratic state. You have many friends”.
https://x.com/RJukneviciene/status/2036895938245992620
Latvia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
“On Belarus Freedom Day, we are once again reminded that freedom, sovereignty and democracy is not to be taken for granted. It must be actively protected every day, on every step. Latvia stands firmly in support of a free and democratic Belarus as part of Europe. We commend the courage of Belarusians striving for a democratic future of their country. It is their country. Oppression of the Belarusian people must stop, and all political prisoners must be released”.
https://x.com/Latvian_MFA/status/2036758232325099601
Estonia
Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia
“Estonia knows repression cannot extinguish hope. We stand with the unbending spirit of Belarusians and their fight for a free and democratic society”.
https://x.com/KristenMichalPM/status/2036843574935884168
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
“Amid ongoing human rights concerns and questions of democratic legitimacy, this day stands for dignity, solidarity, and support for all who work toward a more open and just society. Freedom is not granted; it is nurtured and defended. Estonia stands with a free and democratic Belarus”.
https://x.com/MFAestonia/status/2036759194582335556
Karmen Laus, Special Representative of Estonia to Democratic Forces of Belarus
“Estonia stands with the unyielding spirit of the Belarusian people in your pursuit for a free and democratic society. Having endured the weight of a communist regime, we are proof that hope can survive. Your future belongs to you”.
https://x.com/KarmenLaus/status/2036725195210182708
Poland
Adam Hałaciński, Polish Foreign Minister’s Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with Belarusian Democratic Forces
“Best wishes to Belarusian partners and friends celebrating Freedom Day. Your commitment to freedom, human rights, and national identity deserves respect and solidarity. Here, in Poland, we support a sovereign and peaceful Belarus”.
https://x.com/AdamHalacinski/status/2036460042514317749?s=20
Canada
Embassy of Canada in Poland
“Dzień Voli — Freedom Day — is a reminder of Belarusians’ democratic aspirations for a future where Belarus is free from oppression and external interference. We stand with Belarus united by universal values of dignity and human rights”.
https://x.com/CanadaPoland/status/2036751895281143954?s=20
Georgia
Marika Mikiashvili
“Long live free Belarus, free Georgia, and, of course, victorious Ukraine!”
https://x.com/Mikiashvili_M/status/2036759268716593306?s=20
Helen Khoshtaria
“Stand with Belarus! This is our common fight! Long live free Belarus and free Georgia!”
https://x.com/Helenkhosh/status/2036759589081788620?s=20
Czech Republic
Prague City Council
The Prague authorities raised the white-red-white flags. With this gesture, the City Council expressed its support for the democratic Belarusian opposition and its struggle for freedom, as well as its solidarity with the political prisoners of the Lukashenka regime.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GtCgNQmGc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Bohuslav Svoboda, Mayor of Prague
“In a country where freedom is brutally suppressed, Freedom Day has become a symbol of resistance to dictatorship, dignity, and hope. I greatly appreciate the work of the Belarusian democratic community in the Czech Republic. I wish for all Belarusians to be able to celebrate Freedom Day freely in their own country”.
https://x.com/Svoboda_Slavek/status/2036861888676413628?s=20
Italy
Senator Giulio Terzi
“A free and democratic Belarus, fully integrated into the family of European nations, is the horizon for which we must fight against Lukashenka’s oppression. The persecution of the Belarusian people must stop, and all political prisoners must be released. During meetings with President Tichanovskaya in Rome, we emphasized the importance of maintaining Europe’s high level of attention to Belarus”.
https://x.com/GiulioTerzi/status/2036779642502222086
France
Frédéric Petit, Member of the French National Assembly
“On Belarus Freedom Day, I express full solidarity with the people of Belarus. Your struggle for democracy and rule of law is mine. France welcomes the release of 250 prisoners in Belarus. The fight continues until the liberation of all political prisoners”.
https://x.com/fpetitan/status/2036752294012678576?s=46
Germany
Robin Wagener, Member of the Bundestag
“Today is Freedom Day. In recent months, some political prisoners, such as Maryia Kalesnikava and Ales Bialiatski, have been released. But more than 850 people are still in prison. As the Green Party in the Bundestag, we have taken patronage over prisoners and demand their immediate release!”
https://x.com/robinwagener/status/2036734335101940220
Sweden
Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs
“Today is Freedom Day and the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus. Sweden stands firmly with the Belarusian people on their path to a free and democratic Belarus. Sweden’s support for a future democratic Belarus in the European family is unwavering”.
https://x.com/MariaStenergard/status/2036856653790802245
Björn Söder, Member of the Swedish Parliament
“Today is the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus! Today and forever, we stand with Belarus”.
https://x.com/BjornSoder/status/2036783575027089475
United Kingdom
Wendy Morton, Member of Parliament
“On Freedom Day, we stand with the people of Belarus in their continued fight for freedom, democracy, and independence. I pay tribute to the courage of democratic leaders such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and all those working for a free Belarus”.
https://x.com/morton_wendy/status/2036738454604648540
USA
Damon M. Wilson, National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
“For the past six years, the Lukashenka regime has sought to silence dissent. Thousands of citizens have been imprisoned for speaking up against repression, demanding accountability, and choosing freedom. Around 900 Belarusian political prisoners remain behind bars. A free, more prosperous Belarus is essential to advancing security and stability. NED supports the Belarusian people in their struggle for dignity, rights, and freedom”.
https://x.com/DamonMacWilson/status/2036792370084159715
Roger Wicker, US Senator
“On Belarus Freedom Day, I look forward to the day when all Belarusian political prisoners are released and able to realize their dream of building a thriving democracy”.
https://x.com/SenatorWicker/status/2036883354264465563
Bill Keating, US Congressman
“On Belarus Freedom Day, we stand with Belarus and the 850+ political prisoners who remain unjustly behind bars. Belarusians will continue to fight for their democratic future and the United States and the free world will continue to support them — today and every day”.
https://x.com/USRepKeating/status/2036903705019093447
Jeanne Shaheen, US Senator
“On Belarus Freedom Day, I celebrate the release of political prisoners this past year. But under the Lukashenka regime, Belarus continues to take new political prisoners and support Russia’s war. The US must support a democratic and sovereign Belarus”.
https://x.com/SFRCdems/status/2036919911444856938
Other organizations and media
Visegrád 24
“Belarusians have given their lives for freedom throughout history, and they continue the fight today. Some in Belarus, some in exile, and some fighting side by side with Ukrainians on the frontlines against Russian occupiers. Belarusians have chosen freedom, and they will achieve it”.
https://x.com/visegrad24/status/2036751585821303181?s=20
Index on Censorship
“Today is Belarus Freedom Day — yet Belarusians inside the country are not free to celebrate it. While last week saw the release of some political prisoners, many more remain behind bars. Index calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus”.
https://x.com/IndexCensorship/status/2036730849735876811?s=20
Socialist International
“On this day of commemoration and mobilization, we call on the international community, parliaments, and civil society to continue raising their voices in support of Belarus. The struggle for democracy in Belarus is a shared responsibility, and the Socialist International stands firmly alongside those working peacefully for a free and democratic future”.
https://x.com/Soc_Intl/status/2036892302363300250?s=20
