President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska took part in a religious service dedicated to honoring those who were killed during the January Uprising of 1863–1864. The service was held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus. The Presidents and First Ladies of Lithuania and Poland also took part.
“Today we are all here – in Vilnius – to honor the memory and to thank the brave participants of the January Uprising. An uprising that proved that our destiny is to be together. And our success – the success of Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, Belarusians – can only be a shared success,” the Head of State emphasized during his speech.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe has two choices: freedom or dependence. That is why it is crucial to have sufficient protection, because every delay has consequences. In particular, Belarus is still forced to exist as a Russian general-governorate.
“For now, sadly, Lukashenko’s white spitz has been granted more rights than the people of Belarus. There was a chance in 2020 to change this. And, I’m sure, there will be another chance. But back then, support for Belarusians was simply not enough. And now we all feel how much harder, how much more expensive, and how much more dangerous it has become for everyone because of Belarus’s dependence on Moscow,” the Head of State noted.
The President emphasized that Russian operators of jet-powered “shahed” drones operate against Ukraine from Belarusian territory. Strike communications and guidance are supported from Belarus. Russia uses Belarus as a platform to blackmail Europe and the world with “Oreshnik” weapons. Belarusian industry works for Russia’s war, and Belarusian trade links help Putin buy components.
“That is why Europe must not lose any nation that lives by freedom. That is why Europe must not lose time. That is why every day, all of us in Europe must work for a strong Europe,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine, Moldova, Chechnya, and Georgia is the result of indifference to the truth of our nations and of the indifference shown by the world’s leading states at the end of the Soviet era and the beginning of the 21st century, when they chose to place their bet on a “reset” with Russia.
According to the Head of State, we are now doing everything to make sure such mistakes are never repeated. He also expressed gratitude for supporting Ukraine.
“European politicians should value the fact that they represent free and independent states, rather than having to lead uprisings against empires and occupiers today. It is too early for Europe to relax while Russia’s war machine is still running, and while dictators around Europe are not weakening. They all look at Europe – at us – as prey,” the President noted.
The Head of State reminded: when the January Uprising began, Kyiv University was one of the key centers of freedom. Today, in the skies over Kyiv and on the land of Ukraine, there is the same courage – ensuring that the freedom of our nations exists and will exist.
The President also separately addressed the people of Belarus emphasizing that it is a European nation that will stand together with all nations in a united, free, peaceful, and strong Europe. The Head of State thanked all Belarusian volunteers who fight for our independence in Ukraine and for the historical chance for their state.
