Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya delivered a powerful speech at the European Parliament plenary session, warning that the struggle for sovereignty in Belarus, Ukraine, and neighboring countries is far from over.
“I would like to thank each of you [MEPs] for standing by not only Belarus and Ukraine, but also Georgia, Moldova and Armenia, Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said at the plenary session.
“I always say that unconventional times require unconventional solutions. Last year, we took such a step together. We signed a memorandum of cooperation between the democratic forces of Belarus and the European Parliament, and this was a clear message to my people, Belarus is Europe.
“From your own history, you know the true value of solidarity when your homeland is occupied. I would like to thank each of you for standing by not only Belarus and Ukraine, but also Georgia, Moldova and Armenia.
“We all stand in a zone of uncertainty, asking ourselves who will stand with us for our freedom. Will our countries ever be safe and free if we remain in the shadow of a giant, a power that does not respect us, does not recognize our sovereignty, and denies us our place as the free nations of Europe? Should we sacrifice ourselves, offer everything to the giant in the hope that this will stop him, that he will get what he wants and not move forward? But we know history: Empire has an insatiable appetite,” she said.
Her remarks, delivered in Strasbourg, resonated beyond Belarus, as she highlighted the struggles of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and Armenia, thanking MEPs for their continued support. She also warned against appeasement, reminding lawmakers that “an empire’s appetite is never satisfied”—a clear reference to Russia’s aggressive policies in the region.
As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, Tikhanovskaya’s speech served as a call to action, urging European leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to democracy and freedom in the face of ongoing threats.
