Tsikhanouskaya addressed Ukrainians: We, Belarusians, know what Russia is. We know its imperial appetites

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya with Olena and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the commemoration of the 1863 insurgents in Vilnius on January 25, 2026. Photo: OST

«Dear Ukrainians, dear friends. 

Four years ago, perfidious Russia attacked Ukraine. For four years — Russian missiles and drones have been striking homes, hospitals, schools. And for eleven years already — people have been dying because Russia decided — it can do anything. 

It's terrifying to even think that war has become a daily reality. But it's impossible to get used to it. To get used to images of destroyed cities. To news of those killed in another horrific attack. That children, instead of schools or kindergartens, are forced to hide in bomb shelters. 

We, Belarusians, admire Ukrainian courage. How you support each other, how you defend your country — at the front and in the rear. How Ukrainian volunteers work, how doctors save lives under shelling, how energy workers restore electricity after strikes. How Ukrainians strive every day to live, love, protect each other — and preserve their humanity. 

We, Belarusians, know what Russia is. We know its imperial appetites. We know what tyranny is. We understand that today Ukraine is fighting not only for itself, but for all of us — including for a free Belarus. 

That is why four years ago, and even earlier — many Belarusians went as volunteers to fight for Ukraine. Many paid the most valuable price — with their lives. Even today, on this day, many Belarusians — are on the front line or in Russian captivity — and we pray for their lives and for Ukraine's victory. 

We also pray for Belarusian political prisoners: hundreds of them are in prisons for solidarity with Ukraine, for trying to stop Russian equipment, or for spreading the truth about the war. 

After the start of the full-scale invasion, many Belarusians remained in Ukraine — despite the shelling, despite problems with documents — also to help. The Belarusian community of Ukraine — volunteers, raises funds, helps veterans. And the Belarusian diaspora around the world — donates money to the Ukrainian army and to humanitarian programs. 

The fate of Belarus also depends on the outcome of the war. If Ukraine is strong and Russia is weak — this will open the way for the liberation of Belarus. Because today our country is held hostage by two dictators, it is being turned into a Russian military base, and an assembly workshop for the Russian army. Nuclear weapons and "Oreshnik" are being deployed. All of this is being done against the will of Belarusians. But our people, I am confident, will yet have their say.

We, Belarusians, are on the side of Ukraine, not the aggressor. We — like Ukraine — are part of Europe, not the «Russian world». And together — we can achieve freedom and peace for our peoples. Together — we can achieve justice and hold the guilty accountable. 

Thank you to the Ukrainian people. Thank you to Belarusian soldiers, volunteers, and everyone who supports Ukraine in this difficult time. Thank you for your solidarity, for your courage. Together we will overcome everything.

Glory to Ukraine! Long Live Belarus!

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