UWC Stands With the People of Belarus as they Defend their Statehood from Russian Imperialism

As the world marks the second anniversary of the popular uprising by the Belarusan people protesting the fraudulent 2020 presidential election of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) recommits to stand with the people of Belarus as they fight to protect their statehood from Russia’s imperialistic grip.  

The Lukashenka regime has become a Stalinist police state which tortures and kills anyone who opposes its rule, controls the media, and is a puppet of Putin’s imperialist ambitions. The European Union, the United States, Canada and most global democracies have sanctioned the Belarusan regime and have declared Lukashenko an illegitimate leader.     

Since February 24, 2022, Belarus has enabled Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Lukashenka has allowed Russia to station its army, launch missile attacks and wage its military operations against Ukraine.  

“We call upon the people of Belarus to once again stand up against the Lukashenko dictatorship. Do not allow Putin to turn the Belarusan people and its military against the Ukrainian people,” stated UWC President Paul Grod. “This would be a great historical tragedy for the peoples of Ukraine and Belarus, who have been living side-by-side in peace and harmony for centuries.”   

Independent opinion polls show that an overwhelming majority of Belarusans oppose Russia’s war against Ukraine. In fact, hundreds of Belarusan volunteers from the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment are fighting for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. Inside Belarus, the so-called “rail partisans” are risking their lives to disrupt railway movement of Russian trains that are carrying military equipment and arms for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

“The Ukrainian people around the world are committed to support the Belarusan fight for freedom and dignity. Now is the time for the people of Belarus to reclaim their destiny. UWC calls upon Ukrainian communities around the world to support the Belarusan people in their pursuit for liberty and democracy,” stated Grod.  

“Today Belarus is on the verge of losing its statehood and being fully absorbed into the Russian empire. The consequences of this scenario would be catastrophic for the security of Europe and would further endanger the people of Ukraine. The international community must take immediate action to support the people of Belarus. Like Ukraine, Belarus is Europe. Together the Belarusan and Ukrainian people will defeat Russia’s imperialistic war machine and restore peace and prosperity in their homelands,” stated Grod.