Belarusian opposition leader says she maintains contact with Ukrainian authorities
Pravda Ukraine
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian opposition, stated that she strives to maintain relations with Ukrainian authorities without forcing them.
Source: Tsikhanouskaya in an interview with Serhii Sydorenko, European Pravda editor
Details: Tsikhanouskaya noted that the Belarusian opposition has successfully established strong relations with Ukrainian society and authorities, particularly through the parliamentary group For Democratic Belarus.
She acknowledged that the relationship with Ukraine’s authorities is not as ambitious as she would like it to be.
Quote: “Since the start of the war, I’ve adhered to one principle: under no circumstances should we harm Ukraine. And if I understand that there are obstacles to establishing more formal relations between Ukraine’s authorities and the democratic forces of Belarus – so be it. There’s no need to force things.”
Tsikhanouskaya added that representatives of Belarusian democratic forces meet with officials from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and advisers to President Zelenskyy, and “that is sufficient”.
Quote: “What we aim to do is explain that Lukashenko cannot be trusted, as he will always deceive. If anyone believes that Lukashenko might one day side with Ukraine – that will never happen.”
Background:
- In 2022, Tsikhanouskaya proposed establishing official relations with Ukraine after the creation of the United Transitional Cabinet, a formal body of transitional power.
- Her proposal received support from certain members of the expert community.
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