Zelenskyy Highlights Belarus's Struggles Amid Support for Ukraine in Vilnius

During a speech in Vilnius on January 25, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the ongoing struggles of the Belarusian people under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. He remarked that Lukashenko's pet dog enjoys more rights than the citizens of Belarus, underscoring the oppressive nature of the current government. Zelenskyy stated, "For now, Lukashenko’s white spitz has been granted more rights than the people of Belarus," highlighting the dire situation faced by the Belarusian populace due to their government's dependence on Moscow.

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Zelenskyy pointed out that Belarus has become a critical base for Russian military operations against Ukraine, with Russian forces launching drones and missiles from Belarusian territory. He argued that this dependence on Russia has made the security situation in Europe more precarious. "That is why Europe must not lose any nation that lives by freedom," he urged, calling for a united front among Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania to counteract Russian aggression.

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Zelenskyy's visit coincided with commemorative events marking the anniversary of the January Uprising (1863-64), which holds historical significance for Lithuania, Poland, and Belarus. During his visit, he met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to discuss military cooperation, energy support, and Ukraine's ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by Russian attacks. Zelenskyy noted that over 1,600 residential buildings in Kyiv were without heat due to these assaults.

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Lithuania has pledged to provide nearly 100 generators to Ukrainian cities, while Poland is sending 379 generators and 18 heaters to assist those affected by the harsh winter conditions. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the "unprecedented" support from Poland and Lithuania, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the face of Russian aggression.

Zelensky meets Lithuania's president as country pledges nearly 100 generators for Ukraine amid Russian strikes

Zelenskyy also held a significant meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader. They discussed the plight of political prisoners in Belarus and the need for international support for democratic forces in the country. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Zelenskyy for Ukraine's assistance in securing the release of Belarusian political prisoners and proposed closer cooperation between their nations.

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Zelenskyy criticized the international community's lack of support for the Belarusian uprising in 2020, suggesting that a stronger response could have altered the current geopolitical landscape. He stated, "There was a chance in 2020 to change this... but then the support for Belarus was simply insufficient." He urged European nations to recognize the interconnected destinies of Belarus and Ukraine, reinforcing the idea that both nations are fighting for their freedom against oppressive regimes.

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Zelenskyy's remarks in Vilnius serve as a rallying cry for European unity against Russian aggression and a plea for renewed support for Belarusian democracy. He concluded by reaffirming that the fight for freedom in Belarus is intrinsically linked to Ukraine's struggle, emphasizing that the future of both nations depends on collective action and solidarity among European states.

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