Belarusians are not Lukashenko's regime and Belarus should not be put in the same basket as Russia - Tsikhanouskaya

RIGA - Belarusians are not Lukashenko's regime and Belarus should not be put in the same basket as Russia, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the democratic forces of Belarus, said during a keynote speech at a discussion on Belarus' role in Europe's political and security architecture at the Foreign Ministry.

Tsikhanouskaya said that since the beginning of 2020, every time she comes to Latvia, she feels a huge solidarity. The leader of the Belarusian democratic forces stressed that Latvia and our Baltic and Nordic friends stood by the Belarusian people.

"You opened your homes and hearts to thousands of people who fled repression. Latvian parliamentarians became symbolic godparents to our political prisoners. And even today, despite many pressures, Latvia continues to act," Tsikhanouskaya said.

She stressed that Latvia stands for the release of Belarusian political refugees and the use of Belarusian number plates in Latvia. The leader of the Belarusian democratic forces hopes that Latvia will soon do the same with regard to real estate. She thanked Latvia for making a distinction: the Belarusians are not Lukashenko's regime and Belarus should not be put in the same basket as Russia.

She pointed out that on May 9 we commemorate the victims of the Second World War. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that a day once created to celebrate victory over evil is now being used to justify evil, with military parades and propaganda shows taking place in both Minsk and Moscow. "But you should not be fooled - this is not a celebration of peace. These are justification campaigns trying to explain and support a brutal war of aggression. It is important to speak clearly: [Russian dictator Vladimir] Putin is the aggressor, and Lukashenko is the aggressor," said the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces.

In her view, if Lukashenko had not been repressing the Belarussian population in 2020 with Moscow's help, a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 might never have happened. According to Tsikhanouskaya, the current peace talks are not just about Ukraine, but will affect the whole region - Belarus, Moldova, Armenia and the Baltic States.

"I do believe that these talks can bring peace, but they also bring new risks. If Putin goes unpunished, he will further consolidate his power over Belarus. A new escalation will always be just around the corner, and then the threat can reach your doorstep," said the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces.

In her view, however, if peace is achieved on the terms set by Ukraine and Russia is weakened, a new window of opportunity will open for Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that a democratic transition can become possible and we need to be ready for it.

The leader of the Belarusian democratic forces stressed that as long as Lukashenko remains in power, Belarus will remain a permanent threat, a source of instability and a military platform for Russia. The goal must therefore be lasting and irreversible change - the liberation of Belarus from Russian control. She added that a new Yalta must not be allowed.

"Putin dreams of restoring spheres of influence, treating us, our peoples, as disobedient children to be taken under Moscow's control. We must refuse. We must be consistent not only in our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, but also in our defense of Belarus' independence and sovereignty," Tsikhanouskaya told the audience.

She noted that Russian troops must leave not only Ukraine but also Belarus, including the withdrawal of nuclear weapons. Tsikhanouskaya allowed that the liberation of Belarus from Russian military and political influence would be a huge blow to Putin and a great gain for Ukraine and the security of the region as a whole.

"All we want is the opportunity for Belarusians to choose their own future. In 2020, the Belarusian people voted for change. They voted for Europe. Despite the terror, their wish has not changed," said the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces.

In her view, as soon as Belarus regains its sovereignty, the country will immediately start the process of European integration - just like the Latvians did 20 years ago. Tsikhanouskaya said that the example of Latvia inspires Belarusians because only in Europe - not in the "Russian world" - can the Belarusian identity, language and future be preserved.

"All democratic forces agreed that our final destination should be membership of the European Union. And while this road may still be long, we have a real and achievable milestone ahead of us - joining the Nordic-Baltic community," said the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces.

She said that Belarus is very lucky to have such neighbours and she believes that one day the Nordic-Baltic eight will become a nine. Tsikhanouskaya is aware that there is still a long way to go. She pointed out that the regime needs to be dismantled, Ukraine needs to be helped to endure, justice needs to be restored, institutions need to be rebuilt.

"But also our hope. The fight for freedom cannot be won alone. And we are grateful and fortunate to have allies like you. So let us look at Belarus not only as a threat, but also as an opportunity - an opportunity for a stronger and safer Europe. Thank you for your solidarity and thank you for your courage," said the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces at the end of her speech.