Zelensky and Tsikhanouskaya Convene for First Meeting in Vilnius
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met for the first time on January 25 in Vilnius. This historic meeting underscores the deepening solidarity between Ukraine and Belarus amidst political strife.
Zelensky and Tsikhanouskaya’s Meeting in Vilnius
The meeting took place during Zelensky’s visit to Lithuania, commemorating the anniversary of the January Uprising of 1863-64. This uprising involved the Ukrainian, Polish, Lithuanian, and Belarusian people in their struggle against the Russian Empire.
Focus of the Meeting
During their discussions, Zelensky and Tsikhanouskaya emphasized several key issues:
- Strengthening solidarity between Belarusians and Ukrainians.
- Advocating for political prisoners in Belarus.
- Enhancing cooperation with Western allies.
Tsikhanouskaya, recognized as the legitimate winner of the 2020 Belarusian presidential election, expressed her admiration for Zelensky’s leadership. She noted on social media her gratitude for his support of a democratic Belarus, highlighting Ukraine’s distinction between the Belarusian populace and the Lukashenko regime.
Statements from the Leaders
Following their meeting, Tsikhanouskaya stated, “On behalf of Belarusians, I expressed full solidarity with the Ukrainian people.” She praised Zelensky for his remarks during the commemoration and discussed the need for political prisoner releases, sanctions against the Belarusian government, and accountability for President Alexander Lukashenko.
In his speech at the commemoration, Zelensky asserted the importance of unity among Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania, while acknowledging Belarus’s struggle for genuine independence. He pointedly remarked on the stark contrast between the rights of individuals in Belarus compared to those of Lukashenko’s dog, highlighting the oppressive nature of the Belarusian regime.
Context of Belarus’s Political Landscape
The ongoing alliance between Belarus’s government and Russia further complicated the situation. Under Lukashenko, Belarus has provided Russian forces with a base to launch attacks on Ukraine, contributing to regional instability.
The meeting between Zelensky and Tsikhanouskaya marks a significant step toward forging stronger ties between Ukraine and Belarus’s opposition, highlighting their shared vision for a democratic future and a unified stance against authoritarianism.
