Belarusian opposition politician forms unit in Ukrainian Armed Forces

June 21, BPN. A former Belarusian commando turned opposition politician has said that he has organized a separate company in the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces to gain combat experience necessary for building a modern army.

“Our unit has been performing combat missions in one of the most difficult sectors of the front in southeastern Ukraine for over one month,” said Valeryj Sachaščyk, an ally of opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja.

In a Telegram post, he called on soldiers in Belarus to honor their oath and protect the people from those who “shed the blood of Belarusians and deprive them of their freedom.”

He also described Putin’s troops in Belarus as “occupiers,” pledging that they will soon be asked to go back to Russia. He addressed them by saying: “It will be in your best interest to do so voluntarily.”

Earlier this month, Sachaščyk said he was performing combat missions with an airborne assault company at the Donetsk front in Ukraine.