Tsikhanouskaya to the Riigikogu: Belarusians deserve to live in a democratic country

“It is an honour for me to speak on behalf of Belarusians, who have been fighting for their freedom, independence and European future for more than two years,” Tsikhanouskaya said. She thanked Estonians for their support and help, and asked for Estonia’s support in international organisations.

“My country is actually under occupation, held hostage by two bloodthirsty dictators,” she emphasised. “Despite the unprecedented terror, Belarusians have continued their struggle for more than two years. Many thousands paid with their freedom, and some with their lives. By their struggle, Belarusians proved that they deserve to live in a democratic country.”

Tsikhanouskaya pointed out that today the fate of Belarus was strongly connected with the fate of Ukraine. She noted that after the start of the war, one and a half thousand people signed up as volunteers and took part in the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army. The Russians have so far failed to involve the Belarusian military in the war – this is evidence of strong public resistance. According to her, more than 90% of Belarusians are against joining the war, despite the propaganda.

The leader of the Belarus opposition encouraged to continue supporting Ukraine, saying that support for Ukraine was help for free Belarus. “Nothing will be a greater sanction for Putin than Free Belarus,” Tsikhanouskaya said. She added that without a free Belarus, there would be no safe Ukraine and no security in Europe. She called on continuing sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

Tsikhanouskaya underlined that Lukashenka must bear responsibility for the hijacking of the Ryanair plane, the artificial migration crisis, and crimes against humanity, and an international tribunal should be established against Lukashenka and Putin. “We need to unite again to free Europe from tyrants.”