Belarusian oppositionist Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya arrived in Kyiv on 25 May 2026. She thanked Ukrzaliznytsia for the safe delivery and began her visit by paying tribute to Belarusian volunteer Maria Zaitseva.
Basic context
Svitlana Tikhanovska arrived in Kyiv on 25 May 2026, which she confirmed on her page on Telegram. She praised the work of Ukrzaliznytsia, thanking them for «safe and fast delivery to Kyiv» and posted a photo of a ticket with the inscription «Przemysl - Free Kyiv - Svabodny Minsk».
The first thing the oppositionist did upon arrival was to pay tribute to the memory of Maria Zaitseva, a Belarusian volunteer who, after the outbreak of full-scale war, joined the Belarusian volunteers and became part of the joint struggle against «Russian imperialism and dictatorship».
The importance of honouring Maria Zaitseva
Tikhanovska stressed that visiting Maria Zaitseva's grave symbolises not only resistance to dictatorship, but also solidarity between Ukraine and Belarus. According to her, this was an important part of the beginning of the visit, as Zaitseva gave her life for the freedom of both countries.
This gesture demonstrates the deep connection between the Belarusian opposition and Ukraine in the joint fight against aggression. Honouring the memory of a comrade-in-arms underlines the support of the Ukrainian state and the Belarusian opposition's commitment to the common values of freedom and democracy.
Context of the Belarusian opposition and Ukrainian-Belarusian relations
Tikhanovska's visit has symbolic significance against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and political repression in Belarus. Her presence in Kyiv underscores the Belarusian opposition's cooperation with the Ukrainian side and solidarity in opposing Russian aggression.
The route «Przemysl - Free Kyiv - Free Minsk» on the ticket published by Tikhanovska is also a symbol of the desire for freedom and support for democratic transformations in the region.
Thus, the visit of the oppositionist is not only political, but also moral, as it emphasises the common values and the struggle for freedom that unites Ukraine and Belarusian activists.
