Christian Esch

I began my visit to Kyiv this morning by going straight from the train station to pay tribute at the grave of Maria Zaitseva. She symbolizes not only our resistance to dictatorship but also Ukrainian-Belarusian solidarity. It was truly important for me to begin this visit by honoring someone who gave her life for the freedom of Ukraine and Belarus. Maria was only 24 years old. She was a very bright, courageous, and principled person. Like thousands of Belarusians in 2020, she took to the streets against violence and injustice in Belarus. And when Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, she did not stand aside. She joined the Belarusian volunteers and became part of the common struggle against Russian imperialism and dictatorship. For me, Maria is a symbol of a new generation of Belarusians. People who understand that the freedom of Belarus and the freedom of Ukraine are inseparable. She died a hero, but her name will live on. And it is our duty to do everything possible to ensure that the sacrifice of Maria and other heroes was not in vain.

Russia invited me to visit Moscow & witness its alleged economic “prosperity”. My reply was blunt: I would refuse to go to Moscow even as a member of Ukraine’s delegation to accept Russia’s declaration of unconditional surrender. No reconciliation with Russia for centuries😡

Путин поздравил патриарха Кирилла с именинами. Подарил букет белых роз.