August 9, Pozirk. At a rally in Warsaw on the fifth anniversary of Belarus’ disputed presidential election, the country’s opposition leader, Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, said she is proud of everyone who has taken to the streets “despite the regime’s horror stories.”
She also honored all those who continue to work for Belarus and participate in political life, despite the ongoing difficulties.
She stated that she is proud of those who choose to resist, including those collecting evidence of the regime’s crimes, as well as journalists and human rights activists.
“I am proud of our international partners who support us in our struggle. In particular, I am grateful to Poland—its government, parliament and people—for supporting Belarus and defending our voice in the international arena,” the politician added.
Cichanoŭskaja said that she does not know when the regime will fall, when the war in Ukraine will end, or when people will be able to return home from exile. However, she “piously believes” that Belarusians can bring this moment closer “with their hard work.”
“They say that we are a nation of partisans. Even in the most difficult conditions, we do not give up or claim that all is lost. We just continue the fight and eventually achieve our goals. Soon, the situation around Ukraine will change, and a window of opportunity may open for all of us. We must be ready for this and stick together. We may have different views, and that’s normal. But we have one goal: an independent, free, democratic and European Belarus,” Cichanoŭskaja stated.
