Ukraine – Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she witnessed the aftermath of a Russian strike on Kyiv, describing the attack as part of what she called a deliberate campaign to intimidate civilians and erode resilience through repeated nighttime assaults.
In a statement following her visit, Tsikhanouskaya said the damage in the Ukrainian capital underscored the “true nature” of the Russian leadership, accusing it of disregarding human life, international law, and national borders.
“Russia is deliberately trying to break people through fear, darkness, and constant nighttime attacks,” she said, referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine following the 2022 full-scale invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
She also criticised the Belarusian government under President Alexander Lukashenko, arguing that Minsk bears responsibility for enabling Russia’s military operations by allowing Belarusian territory to be used for the deployment of Russian forces and missile launches.
‘Belarusians stand with Ukraine’
Despite the political tensions between Kyiv and Minsk, Tsikhanouskaya sought to emphasise solidarity between ordinary Belarusians and Ukrainians.
“But I want Ukrainians to know: Belarusians stand with you,” she said. “We support Ukraine not because it is ‘politically correct’, but because we feel this pain as our own.”
She added that Ukraine’s continued resistance in the face of sustained attacks demonstrated “true strength,” praising the resilience of civilians and defenders alike.
“Every such strike reveals courage,” she said. “No missile can break a nation fighting for its freedom and dignity.”
Context of Ongoing Conflict
The remarks come amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, which have intensified pressure on civilian infrastructure and emergency services across the country.
Kyiv has repeatedly come under aerial bombardment during the conflict, prompting widespread international condemnation and renewed calls for additional air defence support.
Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to Ukraine this week also included meetings with Ukrainian officials and participation in the International Summit of Cities and Regions focused on post-war reconstruction efforts.
The Belarusian opposition leader has remained one of the most prominent voices in exile since the disputed 2020 presidential election in Belarus, continuing to advocate for democratic change and closer cooperation with European partners.
