In Kyiv, a presentation of the public association “Belarusian Community of Ukraine” took place – a union of Belarusians that works to preserve national identity and support Ukraine.
The meeting was held as part of a round table at Ukrinform on the topic “Belarusians shoulder to shoulder on one side of the front” and occurred on Thursday, December 4.
According to the head of the public association “Belarusian Community of Ukraine,” Oleksiy Frantskevych, according to the latest census the Belarusian community in Ukraine numbers about 360 thousand people. Belarusian societies and public organizations operated in 14 regions of Ukraine. However, after the full-scale invasion almost all of them ceased to exist.
“Belarusians with weapons in their hands here, in Ukraine, give the most precious thing – their lives, volunteer, live, have children. We registered the public association “Belarusian Community of Ukraine” and appointed representatives in 12 regions of Ukraine. At present we are trying to form a pro-Ukrainian, pro-Belarusian, pro-European Belarusian community.”
– Oleksiy Frantskevych
Political consultant Ruslan Rohov, in his remarks, emphasized that today the Belarusian community “speaks aloud about the fact that it is present here, works here and is ready to carry out an important social mission.”
“This event draws a clear line between the notion that Belarusians and Lukashenko are not one and the same. Instead, Belarusians and Ukrainians are nations that are not only neighbors but also fight together against a common enemy that seeks to deprive sovereignty from both Ukraine and Belarus, on one side of the front line.”
– Ruslan Rohov
According to the presentation, the public association “Belarusian Community of Ukraine” focuses on preserving and promoting the Belarusian language, culture and traditions on Ukrainian soil, developing cultural diplomacy, educational and outreach programs, supporting Belarusians who have suffered from repression and war, and assisting Belarusian veterans and volunteers who defend Ukraine.
Participants of the round table also discussed issues of developing cultural diplomacy, expanding cooperation between communities, and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all national communities of Ukraine.
As reported, former Kalinowski Regiment fighter Vasyl Veremeychyk, who fought on the side of Ukraine during the full-scale invasion, was sentenced in Belarus to 13 years in prison.