May 27, Pozirk. Kyiv decided to discuss the future of Ukrainian-Belarusian relations with Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, according to Pozirk’s analysis of the Ukrainian media coverage of the politician’s visit to Kyiv on May 25 and 26.
Ukrainian media outlets portray Cichanoŭskaja as a diplomatic actor and potential partner in countering the Moscow–Minsk alliance rather than as a symbol of the 2020 protests in Belarus.
The coverage of the visit focused primarily on the Belarusian politician’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, her talks in the Ukrainian foreign ministry, the opening of the pro-democracy forces’ office in Kyiv and efforts to coordinate actions against Russia and Alaksandar Łukašenka.
Pravda.com.ua provided detailed coverage of Cichanoŭskaja’s visit, quoting the opposition leader as saying that Ukraine’s victory is crucial for Belarus’ future. The outlet also highlighted her view that, once Belarus becomes free, “cities and regions on both sides of the border will restore their partnership and cooperation.”
Kyiv had long avoided contact with the exiled Belarusian opposition, hoping to influence Łukašenka, but has now made a different choice, stressing that Belarus is of “paramount importance” to Ukrainian security, according to eurointegration.com.ua. The geopolitical map would change fundamentally in Ukraine’s favor if Belarusians succeed in “de-occupying Belarus from Russia,” it noted.
A coherent and coordinated policy could help sever Belarus’ ties with Russia and reduce the security threat to Ukraine from the north, the outlet argued.
Censor.NET covered Cichanoŭskaja’s visit in a restrained manner, focusing on the key aspects and the role of Belarusian volunteers. Many commenters on the platform described her as a weak and ineffective leader with limited influence inside Belarus. Some users also saw the visit as largely symbolic, questioning the value of Ukraine’s engagement with the Belarusian opposition.
At the same time, other participants in the discussion pointed to Belarusian volunteers fighting for Ukraine and cautioned against equating the Łukašenka regime with Belarusians who support Ukraine.
