Tsikhanouski in New Year's address called for "Finlandization", forgiveness for those "possessed by a demon", and respect for Trump
Political prisoner Siarhei Tsikhanouski, released in 2025, recorded his pre-New Year's address, in which he laid out his thoughts on the tactics Belarusians should adhere to in their struggle against the Lukashenka regime.
Siarhei Tsikhanouski. Screenshot from video
At the beginning of his slightly more than four-minute speech, Siarhei Tsikhanouski expressed satisfaction that for the first time in 5 years he is celebrating the New Year in a pleasant atmosphere with his family. For him, being released specifically in the outgoing year came as a pleasant surprise.
«What were the chances that the dictator would need the Americans as "fixers" in the Kremlin, and I would be given away as a major bribe in this strange game?» — he asks, admitting that out of all possible liberation scenarios, this one was the most unbelievable for him.
Enjoying his freedom, he, however, does not forget that not only other political prisoners but also the entire country still need to be liberated. And in this address, he once again refers to the idea of "Finlandization," which he has repeatedly expressed along with Vadim Prokopyev.
«In the midst of a new Cold War, we don't have many options. We, Belarusians, have been destined to live at the crossroads of foreign interests, to become an element of a big game. And if we set aside emotions and think carefully, there are only two options for Belarus, a third is not given: either a Russian colony or a Finnish compromise, a neutral strip between two blocs, two enemies in a cold war. Now this seems incredible, but soon both irreconcilable sides will be interested precisely in such an arrangement,» — Tsikhanouski is convinced.
He called any alternative views to this "childish fantasies," as he does not believe that Russia can be defeated on the battlefield, nor that it will change.
Among other things, Tsikhanouski touched upon the issue of the recent release of political prisoners on December 13 with their transfer to Ukraine. Without naming names, he hinted that the words of some released political prisoners, spoken immediately after their liberation, were unfortunate, and warned against repeating these mistakes, both for them and for others:
«You are our heroes, we need you. Do not rush onto the stage, do not make mistakes. Fill in the gaps first.»
As for Belarusians, he asks to forgive their anger online — they, he says, are good in themselves, but now they have to survive in emigration, so their nerves cannot stand it, which is why they are «ready to lash out at any well-known person». Therefore, nothing remains but to «embrace and forgive those who have been led astray by a demon».
He attributes to these same emotions the fact that Belarusians are not inclined to admire Donald Trump:
«Trump has been hated for so long and so sincerely that people have stopped analyzing his actions. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio are doing many right things. They are doing the right things for the benefit of Western civilization, and thus for Belarus.»
As for Belarusian tactics and strategy:
«We, Belarusians, all together, now and with renewed strength, must calmly discuss all options, come to an agreement, and continue our path, the path to freedom, to a true Country for Life.»
«May God protect Belarusians, each one of us. Long live Belarus!» — Siarhei Tsikhanouski concluded his speech.
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