Europe Asia News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha issued a statement on social media marking the anniversary of the presidential election held in Belarus on August 9, 2020.

Sybiha said that six years ago Belarusians clearly expressed their desire for democratic change and the right to determine their country’s future, adding that this choice was met with repression.

Sybiha stated that years of repression, imprisonment and forced exile have not erased the Belarusian people’s aspirations for freedom, democracy and sovereignty. He stressed that Ukraine distinguishes between the Belarusian people and the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.

Sybiha accused the Lukashenko regime of enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine. He also thanked those Belarusians who have stood with Ukraine and opposed Russia’s aggression.

Sybiha said he hopes Belarus will one day become a free, independent, democratic country integrated with Europe, adding that the Belarusian people should decide their country’s future.

He also announced that Ukraine would continue its contacts with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Belarusians who wish to live in a free Belarus.

Sybiha concluded his statement by saying: “A free Belarus is part of a free Europe.”