Zelensky calls on freed Belarusian opposition figures to spread messages of support for Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky held a video conference with civil society and political figures released from Belarus, says the Presidential Office.
During his working visit to Berlin, where negotiations on a peace plan are ongoing, Zelensky held a video conference with freed Belarus opposition figures: Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babariko, Maxim Znak, Alexander Feduta, Vladimir Labkovich, and journalist Marina Zolotova.
The Belarusian citizens thanked the entire Ukrainian team for their assistance and help in securing their release.
“Ukraine will continue to support everyone who helps us defend our independence and protect people’s lives,” Zelensky said.
According to the Presidential Office, the call participants expressed their support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, condemned the actions of the Belarusian regime, and assured their readiness to help on their part.
"We have given so much for Ukraine's freedom that the war cannot end with the loss of precisely that. Otherwise, it will mean that so many people lost their lives in vain. That would be simply unfair. It would be simply unfair and unjust towards them and their memory," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The president called on Belarusian opposition figures to spread messages of support for Ukraine abroad and to send appropriate signals to the people of Belarus.
Background
On 13 December, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 123 prisoners after meeting with US Special Envoy John Cole.
Belarus transferred 114 of the freed prisoners to Ukraine. Among them are five Ukrainians, while the rest are Belarusians imprisoned for political reasons. Ukraine’s Presidential Office adds that this was made possible thanks to cooperation between intelligence agencies.