Uladzimir Matskevich: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is a Hero!

God, I'm bombarded with questions about Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, about my attitude towards her, and some ask about my relationship with her. And not just questions. There are also insults, mockery, accusations, and other claims. [...]

But one of the latest questions seemed suitable for a categorical and exhaustive answer.

I was asked: "Is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya a hero?"

I answer, clearly and categorically — YES! Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is a hero!

[...] Now for a few explanations. I did not consider Sviatlana a hero in 2020. Yes, I respected her decision and act to replace Siarhei, to take the vacant place. This act required great courage, but I didn't yet see a feat in it. [...]

Then — VMS. These are not naval forces; this is a trio of heroic women: Veranika — Maryia — Sviatlana.

Observing this wonderful trio, I underestimated Sviatlana. I was probably mistaken, seeing Sviatlana in the shadow of the brilliant Veranika and Maryia.

Then Maryia's star shone brightly once more when she tore up her passport. And at that time, I wasn't focused on attaching great importance to these actions. I always knew that Belarus is a nation and country of heroes ("Nation of Heroes" was the title of my interview in "Bolshoi" magazine long before all these events). So I wasn't surprised at all by the worthy actions of thousands of Belarusians in 2020.

Perhaps it's worth repeating this more than once: We are a nation of heroes. Not every Belarusian is a hero, but our entire history is full of heroes. But we don't appreciate this, we don't honor our heroes. We easily agree when other nations begin to honor Belarusians as their own heroes.

We are not cynical; we are simply a bit slow, restrained in expressing feelings and emotions. And I am a typical Belarusian, also guilty of this.

And only then did I become convinced that Sviatlana is a true hero, when she became a politician. A brilliant politician. It is especially admirable that she became one from scratch, with no training or experience behind her.

Some doubts remained, and in December 2020, I specifically went to Vilnius to get to know her properly. I was convinced. And since then, I have had no reason to doubt my conclusion.

While I was in prison, I might have missed something. I got out, looked around, gathered information, met Sviatlana again, and my assessment was further strengthened.[…]

Regarding my attitude towards Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, I have answered clearly and exhaustively. Also, concerning my relationship with her. Strictly political relations. I am not part of her party, group, clan, office, or whatever else there might be. I am neither an opponent nor a competitor. These relations are currently far from desired. I will strive for greater productivity. Today, in an interview with Lukashuk, Sviatlana made it clear that she is not opposed either.

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