Cichanoŭskaja: We understand Ukraine’s cautious position but relations should be built

October 31, BPN. Belarus’ pro-democracy leaders understand why officials in Kyiv shun them, but relations should be built because “Ukraine cannot have a common future with the Łukašenka regime,” opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has told reporters at an art exhibition in Vilnius.

Cichanoŭskaja said that she was looking for contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but taking picture with him was not her goal. “This is a process of building trust and constructive ties. I understand the Ukrainian side, they are very cautious. Propaganda is also awake and makes claims about Cichanoŭskaja’s ‘FSB’ roots,” she said.

The opposition’s task is to build relations by demonstrating a consistent position but without being annoying, she added.

The politician said her transition cabinet’s deputy chairman Valer Kavaleŭski “is now in Kyiv,” where he has met with Verkhovna Rada deputies and the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment’s Belarusian volunteer fighters.

“There is constant communication there. But, of course, we would like to see more of such contacts and make them more visible,” Cichanoŭskaja said.