**Belarusian Opposition Leader Tsikhanouski Thanks US, Appeals to Trump for Release of Other Political Prisoners**
In a press conference held in Vilnius on June 22, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a Belarusian opposition leader and blogger who was recently released from prison, thanked the United States for brokering his release and appealed to President Donald Trump to help free other political prisoners in Belarus.
Tsikhanouski, who was arrested before the 2020 presidential election and later sentenced to 18 years in prison on politically motivated charges, spoke alongside his wife Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent opposition leader. He emphasized that both of them will continue to support Ukraine and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Tsikhanouski also refuted allegations of pro-Russian sympathies, affirming his support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky. “I believe Crimea is Ukrainian,” he said. “Zelensky has the hardest fate and a heavy load that no other president has. Zelensky is my hero.”
**Tsikhanouski’s Comments on Lukashenko and Putin Regime**
Tsikhanouski also spoke about Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994. He stated that Belarus cannot be free until the Putin regime collapses, adding that if it weren’t for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus would have achieved freedom after the popular protests against Lukashenko in 2020-2021.
The opposition leader also highlighted the human rights situation in Belarus, saying that there are currently over 1,200 political prisoners behind bars under Lukashenko’s regime. He appealed to Trump to use his influence to free these prisoners with a single word.
**Ukraine and Russia Conflict**
In related news, Ukraine is continuing to face ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian military leadership aims to overhaul the country’s defense system in light of Russia’s overt threats. This includes intensified sanctions efforts and increased funding for drone development.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is currently in talks with several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania, on weapons development partnerships. The tracked robot mentioned in the article is a next-generation version of Ukraine’s existing ground-based unmanned systems already deployed across the front.
**Humanitarian Crisis**
The conflict has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 45 Ukrainians being held in a basement at Russia’s border with Georgia without food, water, and basic healthcare. This situation highlights the ongoing human rights abuses by Russian forces in Ukraine.
As the conflict continues, it is clear that the international community must come together to support Ukraine in its efforts to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty.
