Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared insights regarding his meeting with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya during the IV International Summit of Cities and Regions held in Kyiv.
The summit, which took place on May 25, brought together representatives from 24 countries, primarily from Europe, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and Belarus. Zelensky emphasized the collective support for the Belarusian people’s desire to eliminate Russian interference in their affairs.
He remarked, “We know that Russia is attempting to further entangle Belarus in this war against Ukraine. We appreciate every expression of support from Belarusians for a free Ukraine and are aware that a day will come when our countries will once again enjoy good neighborly relations based on true independence from Moscow for both Ukraine and Belarus.”
Zelensky discussed these themes with Tsikhanouskaya and her team, who were visiting Kyiv. He reiterated that Ukraine has never posed a threat to Belarus and expressed gratitude to those Belarusians standing with Ukraine during this critical time for both nations’ independence.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya arrived in Kyiv on May 25, accompanied by advisors Franak Viachorka, Denis Kuchynski, and Anatoliy Lebedko, along with members of the United Transitional Cabinet, including Deputy Head Pavel Latushko, Chief of Staff Valery Matskevich, and Social Affairs Representative Olga Zazulinskaya.
Tsikhanouskaya received an invitation to visit Ukraine from President Zelensky during their first bilateral meeting in Vilnius at the end of January.
On May 22, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that Tsikhanouskaya would be arriving in Ukraine soon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya during a summit in Kyiv, discussing support for Belarusian independence from Russian influence. The meeting highlighted Ukraine's gratitude towards Belarusians who stand in solidarity during these challenging times.