While on an official visit to Berlin, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video call with civil and political figures who had been released from Belarus: Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, Maksim Znak, Alyaksandr Feduta, Uladzimir Labkovich, and journalist Marina Zolotova.
The Belarusian citizens expressed their gratitude to the Head of State and the entire Ukrainian team for their facilitation and assistance in securing their return to freedom.
On Saturday, December 13, a release of 114 civilians took place, including five Ukrainians who had been in Belarus. This was achieved with the assistance of the United States and through intelligence cooperation.
“Ukraine will continue to support everyone who helps us defend our independence and protect people’s lives,” emphasized the President.
The participants in the conversation also expressed their support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, condemned the actions of the Belarusian regime, and assured their readiness to provide assistance on their part.
“We have given so much for Ukraine's freedom that the war cannot end with the loss of precisely that. Otherwise, it will mean that so many people lost their lives in vain. That would be simply unfair. It would be simply unfair and unjust towards them and their memory,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Head of State called for spreading messages of support for Ukraine abroad and sending appropriate signals to the Belarusian people. After all, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, missiles were also fired from Belarusian territory.
