Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Belarus’s dependence on the Russian Federation is not decreasing; on the contrary, it is becoming increasingly dangerous for the European region. The head of state made this remark during his speech in Vilnius on the anniversary of the January Uprising.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Belarus’s Dependence on the Russian Federation and Its Consequences for Europe
Zelensky emphasized that the history of the struggle for freedom, embodied by the January Uprising of 1863, remains relevant for the Belarusian people. He compared the current state of Belarus to “Russian general-governorship” and noted that true independence has yet to be achieved by Belarusians.
“Now, so many years after Kastus Kalinouski, everything he fought for is still relevant for Belarus, although it has already worked for Ukrainians, Lithuanians, and Poles. And it is relevant not just because he was right, but because true independence and genuine security of life still need to be achieved by Belarusians. Unfortunately, for now, Lukashenko’s white spitz has more rights than the people of Belarus.”
According to the president, the failure of the protests in Belarus in 2020, particularly due to insufficient support from the international community, deepened the country’s dependence on Moscow. This, in turn, creates new risks for Europe’s security.
Using Belarus for Russian Military Pressure
Zelensky stressed that operators of Russian drones, including “Shaheds,” are operating from Belarusian territory, and logistics for attacks on Ukraine are also being provided from Belarusian soil. In his opinion, Belarus has become a testing ground for military blackmail against Europe, and its industry and trade connections help Russia obtain the necessary components for waging war.
The president recalled that the protests against Lukashenko’s regime in 2020 should have been a turning point that could have prevented the current threats. However, as during the January Uprising, Belarusians lacked support from neighboring states and the West. He noted that the indifference of the international community to the aspirations of the peoples in the region led to the tragedies of the 20th century and facilitated Russia’s aggressive actions in Moldova, Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine.
Furthermore, Zelensky expressed support for the Belarusian people, calling them part of the European family and thanked Belarusian volunteers who are defending Ukraine on the battlefield.
Although Belarus is officially not participating in the war against Ukraine, its authorities have provided territory for the movement and placement of Russian troops, as well as allowed strikes on Ukraine from its territory.