Gaidukevich: consolidation of Belarusian society is vital

As a deputy of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, Oleg Gaidukevich, noted, everyone should understand – and this is already being actively voiced by European politicians – that there is now an active persecution of Russian-speaking population

“In America and Europe, no one tries to understand whether you are a Ukrainian, a Belarusian or a Russian. If you speak Russian or Belarusian, open and undisguised harassment begins. A person does not even have time to voice his political views. The same refers to our fugitives as well. It is now no longer possible to hide behind some oppositional views. For America and the West, they are now second-class people – and there will be no other way. Nothing good awaits anyone there. They should return to their native land and repent. Consolidation of society is vital now,” Mr. Gaidukevich noted.

Speaking about the situation with refugees from Ukraine, the deputy stressed that Belarus has always pursued a policy aimed at assistance to people: the Ukrainian people are fraternal for our country, “Ukrainians should understand that we will never turn our back on them. We have always helped these people. We provided them with food and opened opportunities to get a job, live and earn money.”

Mr. Gaidukevich added, “It is safe in our country. No one is ever beaten here, and truckers are not attacked. People are not divided by nationality or religion. In Belarus, cars with license plates from different countries stand in a row in parking lots, and you can be sure that no one will hit anyone. In Europe, the situation is absolutely the opposite: those having Russian or Belarusian plates feel unsafe. Their car can be burned, and they can be beaten. It is impossible to imagine such a situation here. Belarus is a strong country where wise people live. A policy aimed at dividing the nation and hatred will never be supported in our state. We will always help Ukrainians. We also urge the Ukrainian authorities to assist in ensuring humanitarian corridors as much as possible since people need to be saved. People should not die – and this is the most important thing. Politicians should think about this first of all. In this regard, Belarus can be fully reckoned upon. We have always helped, and the present situation in Ukraine is no exception.”