May 26, Pozirk. Kyiv is interested in Belarus as an independent state which is not being used by Russia as a military springboard for aggression against its neighbors, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja in Kyiv yesterday.
The meeting focused on regional security and threats posed by Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime to Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states.
“Without a democratic and sovereign Belarus, it will be impossible to build lasting security in Central Europe and the Baltic region,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry’s press office quoted Sybiha as saying. Belarus’ future must be decided by its own citizens, not the Kremlin, he added.
“To this day, about a thousand Belarusians remain in prison for their civic activism, and many have been forced to leave the country due to repression. We see your resistance and your stance,” the diplomat said.
Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to continue dialogue and political consultations with the Belarusian pro-democracy forces and cooperate in the “humanitarian, informational, sanctions and expert spheres.”
“We look forward to the day when a democratic and free Belarus can join the Lublin Triangle. It would be a natural alliance of free European nations of Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Belarus,” he added.
Sybiha highlighted the contribution of Belarusian volunteers, journalists, rights defenders, and activists “to the joint struggle for freedom,” noting that more than 90 Belarusians lost their lives fighting alongside Ukrainians against what he described as “a common enemy — imperial Russia.”
As Russia seeks to undermine the very idea of freedom in the region, maintaining unity among Europe’s democratic forces remains essential, the official stressed. Ukrainians and Belarusians share a common interest in living in free, independent and secure states, he said.
Following the talks, Cichanoŭskaja’s press office announced plans to establish a coordination group to assist Belarusians in Ukraine, including legalization and migration matters. The sides also agreed to support Belarusian-Ukrainian cultural and educational initiatives and to promote opportunities for Belarusian students in Ukraine.
The Belarusian side also presented proposals aimed at holding Łukašenka and his officials accountable for international crimes, including aggression against Ukraine, the deportation of children and crimes against humanity.
