Belarusian opposition figures hold press briefing in Ukraine: Key statements
Photo: Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava (Getty Images)
Belarusian opposition figures released on December 13 held a press briefing in Chernihiv, where they thanked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and made several statements, including on the war in Ukraine.
The location of the building where the Belarusians were staying and where the press conference took place was kept secret due to fears of a Russian attack. Russians could have targeted the former political prisoners.
Despite these concerns, the opposition figures spoke with journalists. Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Uladzimir Labkovich, and Alexandr Feduta answered questions from the media.
On expressing gratitude
"I want to thank Donald Trump and his team for what is happening now, for moving the process forward, and for giving hope for positive change," Kalesnikava said.
She also expressed gratitude to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, noting that Ukrainians not only welcomed the political prisoners but also made significant efforts toward their release.
"I want to thank President Zelenskyy and the entire Ukrainian people for receiving us yesterday, for showing us your love and support yesterday and today. We understand how incredibly difficult it is during this time of war — when the Ukrainian people themselves are suffering — to support and care for us in this way. Each of us feels it," she said.
Interestingly, Kalesnikava also thanked Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, whose regime had imprisoned her and many others.
"I thank Alexander Grigoryevich for making the release of people — our release — possible. I will welcome all further steps in this direction," she said.
On arriving in Ukraine
Kalesnikava said that until the last moment, no one knew Ukraine was involved in the efforts to release Belarusian political prisoners. She and the others were surprised when they arrived on Ukrainian territory, as earlier discussions had focused on other European countries.
"The first thing I did was personally thank the President of Ukraine. When I saw the buses arriving with other Belarusians... you cannot describe the happiness. What matters is that this moment actually happened," Kalesnikava said.
Babaryka said he expected their final destination to be Brest and feared provocations from the Belarusian KGB. He was surprised when the Lukashenko regime transferred the political prisoners to Ukraine.
"This is humanity. When you feel the need to receive kindness, and you share that kindness with others, that is the greatest and truest form of good. This is exactly what the good that Ukrainians provide. I doubt Europe will be offended if I say this, but I think we could not have received better treatment anywhere else. Thank you, Ukraine," he said.
"He (President Zelenskyy -ed.) has shown that even in this very difficult situation for the Ukrainian people, Ukrainians remain noble and sincere, with the capacity and willingness to help others. I believe this stance is very important and should be recognized in Europe," added Alexandr Feduta.
On the war
When asked about their views on the war, Babaryka said, "War is always bad." He added that he could not comment further because he only had one-sided information.
"To comment on anything when you know almost nothing and have only one-sided information is impossible. We know some actions are taking place, but we can only speak to what is shown in the Belarusian media. We can only say what we see on Belarusian television — and that is almost nothing," he explained.
On future plans
Most opposition members plan to go to Europe, where they have relatives and friends. However, some expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine.
"I think I will not stay in Ukraine because my sister is in Europe, and my family is also in other countries. But I know for sure that there are people who would very much like to stay in Ukraine. We literally discussed this a few hours ago with Belarusians currently here," Kalesnikava said.
The release of political prisoners in Belarus
On December 13, following negotiations with the US, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced an amnesty for 123 political prisoners. Among those released were prominent opposition figures Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kalesnikava, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, and many others.
Lukashenko claimed the political prisoners were exchanged for injured Russian soldiers and Belarusian mercenaries who had fought alongside Russia. Ukraine has denied this claim.
US Special Envoy to Belarus John Cole said that Belarus is expected to release roughly another thousand Belarusian political prisoners in the coming months.
