“The Way to Freedom”: Belarusian democratic forces conference in Kyiv

According to Malanka Media, “The Way to Freedom” conference held in Kyiv on November 29 is primarily aimed at discussing a strategy for liberation of Belarus. The key political figures of the Belarusian democratic forces take part in the conference.

The organizers of “The Way to Freedom” conference express confidence that “Ukraine’s military successes will influence a new security architecture in the region. This architecture is expected to prompt Belarus to eliminate the Russian military presence on its territory under the pressure of Ukraine. This presents a prospect for transformation in Belarus.”

As outlined by the organizers, the event’s primary objective is to “create a strategy for the liberation of Belarus and establish a coordination platform to implement this strategy.” The conference will also address concerns regarding the secure return of participants of the national liberation movement. Moreover, there will be discussions focused on compensating victims of the regime and political prisoners.

The organizing committee of the conference includes representatives from the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, the Free Belarus movement, the United Transitional Cabinet, the National Anti-Crisis Management, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the Coordination Council, Charter-97, and others.

What to expect from the conference?

The conference participants discuss the issues of the liberation of Belarus, the correlation of forces within the Belarusian political landscape, and the relationships between Belarus and Ukraine. Palina Brodzik, the Deputy Chairman of the International Commission of the Coordination Council, provides insights into the event. The conference is expected to present the accumulated documents from the expert community of Belarus concerning relations with Ukraine.

This will provide a basis for advancing and taking the next steps in collaboration with our Ukrainian partners, both in politics and with the public community. One of our goals is to ensure that Belarusian democratic forces are recognized as an independent entity of the Belarusian politics and a trusted partner for Ukraine in the fight against Russian colonial policies.

Coalition, association is not merely a joint photograph featuring hypothetical Tsikhanouskaya, Pazniak, or the Kalinouski Regiment, says Anatol Liabedzka, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s advisor on the constitutional reform and inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The association precisely defines areas of activity and responsibility. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who received a mandate of legitimacy from Belarusians, should personally be responsible for the political component. Belarusian volunteers, including the Kalinouski Regiment should be in charge of the military component, independent media and bloggers should be accountable for information, while relevant funds and human rights defenders should hold responsibility for solidarity and assistance. And the final direction is to focus on a positive alternative for the new Belarus, such as the constitutional reform. I will be talking about it.

Is the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment becoming a political structure?

Members of the Kalinouski Regiment have repeatedly declared their political ambitions. The Kalinouski Regiment plans to nominate its own political leaders. Last year, the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment was recognized by the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as a “representative of the Belarusian people.” Simultaneously, the Regiment also views Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as a representative of the Belarusian people, while also recognizing the need for restructuring within the national liberation movement’s structure. In June 2023, the Kalinouski Regiment initiated collaboration with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office to coordinate efforts for the liberation of Belarus. The fighters are willing to collaborate with all democratic forces, however, the security and defence should be given priority among the democratic forces.