In late May, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the democratic forces in Belarus, made her first official visit to Kyiv. During her trip, she visited Chernobyl and memorial sites honoring fallen Belarusian volunteers, and she inaugurated the Mission of Democratic Forces of Belarus in Kyiv, aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation.
Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the importance of Ukraine recognizing a free Belarus as a future partner rather than a threat. Her visit coincided with reports of potential military operations from Belarus, raising concerns about regional stability. Notably, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky anywhere in Ukraine or Belarus.
In a press conference following her visit, Tsikhanouskaya addressed questions regarding the timing of her trip. She noted that Ukraine’s recent actions, including personal sanctions against Lukashenko and the appointment of a dedicated official for relations with Belarusian democrats, made the visit timely. “It was crucial for us to show Ukrainians the distinction between the regime and the Belarusian people, who oppose the war and support Ukraine,” she stated.
Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the significance of maintaining strong relations between the two nations, asserting that both Ukraine and a free Belarus share a common adversary. She expressed gratitude for the political message sent by Ukraine, reinforcing that Kyiv has made its choice to stand with Belarusian democrats.
The establishment of the Mission of Democratic Forces of Belarus in Kyiv was one of the practical outcomes of her visit. This mission is intended to serve as a political center for Belarusian activities in Ukraine and will facilitate cooperation on security issues, sanctions, and support for Belarusian volunteers.
During her visit, Tsikhanouskaya also engaged with Belarusian volunteers fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. She acknowledged previous criticisms regarding her understanding of the context and support for these volunteers, stating that the visit allowed her to hear their needs and concerns directly. She committed to addressing issues such as legal status and support for families of volunteers.
Tsikhanouskaya visited memorials dedicated to Belarusian volunteers who lost their lives in the conflict, paying tribute to their sacrifices. She expressed deep respect for those defending Ukraine, asserting that they are heroes deserving of recognition.
On the topic of potential military operations involving Belarusian volunteers, Tsikhanouskaya stated that while no one desires war, the possibility cannot be dismissed. She underscored the importance of peaceful solutions but acknowledged that if escalation occurs, Belarusian forces may act in concert with Ukrainian military efforts.
Regarding the ongoing threat of military escalation from Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya reiterated that Ukraine cannot afford to trust Lukashenko’s regime. She noted that Belarus has been used as a staging ground for Russian military operations and remains a potential source of pressure against Ukraine.
Tsikhanouskaya concluded her visit by reaffirming the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between Belarusian and Ukrainian forces. She emphasized that the democratic movement in Belarus requires both political and military support to succeed.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's recent visit to Kyiv aimed to strengthen Belarus-Ukraine relations amidst ongoing military concerns. The establishment of the Mission of Democratic Forces of Belarus marks a significant step in fostering cooperation between the two nations.