Belarusian opposition figures Vladimir Lobkovich, Viktor Babariko, Maria Kolesnikova, and Alexander Feduta held a press conference following their release from imprisonment on December 14. Among the participants were those who had recently arrived in Ukraine, which came as a surprise to the released individuals.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Details of the Release and Reactions from the Opposition
Maria Kolesnikova noted that she and her colleagues expected they might be sent to another European country, but ultimately they found themselves in Ukraine. She emphasized that she had already had the opportunity to personally thank the President of Ukraine for his support.
Alexander Feduta shared that during their imprisonment, they received only one-sided information about events in Ukraine. He remarked that the actions of Volodymyr Zelensky became the best response to the propaganda spreading in European countries regarding Ukraine, showcasing the nobility and sincerity of the Ukrainian people, who, even in difficult circumstances, strive to help others.
“But when it came to the position of European states, about how Europe was tired of the so-called retentionist sentiments of Ukraine… The best way to refute these propaganda moves, without proving anything to anyone and without explaining anything to anyone, was chosen by Mr. Zelensky. He showed that in this situation, which is very difficult for the Ukrainian people, Ukrainians remain noble people, sincere, with the ability and desire to help others,” he said, adding that this position should be recognized in Europe.
Views on Political Past and Future
The press conference participants were also asked if they regretted their participation in the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus. Viktor Babariko stressed that he does not regret his choice, as he acted according to his own convictions and, together with his team, did everything possible. He emphasized that the opposition did not lose, as although they did not achieve victory, they became stronger. Similar questions had been posed to him throughout all five years of imprisonment, but his answer remained unchanged.
Maria Kolesnikova noted that in crucial moments, a person must act if they have the opportunity. She mentioned that she would likely move to live in Europe, however, among the released individuals, there are those who wish to remain in Ukraine. Kolesnikova expressed hope that these individuals would be able to have the opportunity to stay in the country.
Commenting on the topic of war, Kolesnikova emphasized the need to end the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation. She stressed that there can be no justifications for the suffering experienced by people on both sides of the conflict and expressed condolences for the losses in Ukraine, Russia, and all those affected.
Viktor Babariko added that acts against humanity have no justification, regardless of national affiliation. According to him, during any war, crimes occur that cannot be supported under any circumstances.
Belarus, under an agreement with the USA, released over 100 individuals on December 13, including citizens of Belarus, the United Kingdom, the USA, Lithuania, Latvia, Australia, and Japan. Among those released were also five citizens of Ukraine. Most of them were evacuated to Ukraine for the first time, although previously this route typically went through Lithuania. This time, only a small portion of the former political prisoners headed to Lithuania, including Nobel Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Among those who arrived in Ukraine were Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babariko, journalists Maxim Znack and Maria Zolotova, and others. Meanwhile, Viktor Babariko’s son Eduard remains imprisoned in Belarus.