For the first time in the history of independent Ukraine, the leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has arrived in Kyiv on an official visit. This event has become an important symbol of solidarity between two peoples united in their struggle against authoritarianism and Russian aggression.
Special Train and Solemn Welcome
On the morning of May 25, Tikhanovskaya arrived in the Ukrainian capital by special train. She was accompanied by a delegation of Belarusian activists and politicians. At the station, she was greeted by Ukraine's Ambassador-at-Large Yaroslav Chernohor, underscoring the high level of importance this visit holds for Kyiv.
Visit Agenda: From Dialogue to Summit
In Kyiv, Tikhanovskaya has a packed schedule. She will hold meetings with Ukrainian leadership and participate in the International Summit of Cities and Regions. This annual event, organized under the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities with the President of Ukraine, aims to attract international support for the country's reconstruction.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had invited her to visit Ukraine back in January during their first bilateral meeting in Vilnius. It was then clear that Kyiv sees Tikhanovskaya as a key partner in resolving the Belarusian issue.
Symbolism and Remembrance of Maria Zaitseva
The visit gained special significance after Tikhanovskaya began it by visiting the train station to honor the memory of Maria Zaitseva—a Belarusian activist who died in Ukraine while resisting the Russian invasion. "Maria symbolizes not only our resistance to dictatorship but also Ukrainian-Belarusian solidarity," Tikhanovskaya wrote on her X account.
For her, Maria Zaitseva represents a new generation of Belarusians who understand that the freedom of Belarus and the freedom of Ukraine are inseparable.
Political Context and Tikhanovskaya's Position
The visit took place just one day after a massive missile and drone attack by Russia on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Tikhanovskaya strongly condemned the strike, stating that "the terror is supported by the Lukashenko regime." She expressed solidarity with Ukrainians and confidence in their victory.
Tikhanovskaya has repeatedly emphasized that without resolving the Belarusian issue, the security of Ukraine and the West will remain under threat. In her view, Belarus under Lukashenko has effectively become a Russian military platform and poses a constant threat to its neighbors.
Future Dialogue and Peace Negotiations
The opposition leader insists that Belarus must be included in any peace agreements to end the war. She believes that ignoring the Belarusian factor will render any efforts to restore peace ineffective and temporary.