Uladzimir Niakliayeu: People Transform Into Nation Through Fight

Nobody has gained freedom without the courage and sacrifice.

Poet and politician Uladzimir Niakliayeu has congratulated Ukrainians on Unification Day.

"On January 22, Ukraine celebrates Unification Day: the Act on reunification of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Western Ukrainian Republic in the common Ukrainian state was proclaimed 98 years ago.

The idea of the national unification, independence and integrity of the state takes on a special meaning at the time of war on the Ukrainian soil, when neighboring Russia, laying a claim to a part of the Ukrainian territory, is trying to divide it again. And not only for the Ukrainians. Taking into account Russia’s imperial policy, these ideas are of current interest for Belarusians, too. They are especially important for us, because the Ukrainians have passed at least half of the way in their struggle for freedom and independence, and we are, being late as always, only at the beginning ...

Some people say that it is for the better, that the experience of the Ukrainians will help us to avoid the trials and sacrifices that befell Ukraine ... Well, if it's God's will! But in any case, one thing is clear: without the Ukrainian experience, without the example of Ukraine, we would not have had in our society, on its top and in its depth, even those small shifts to the creation of an independent Belarusian state, which we have. This path will not be easy in any case, it will require our courage and selflessness. Freedom has never been gained without them, independent states have not been created.

"The fire transforms the iron into the steel, and the fight turns people into a nation," – one of the greatest fighters for independence of Ukraine Yevhen Konovalets said. A memorial plaque in his honor opens today in Sich Riflemen street in Kiev.

I congratulate my Ukrainian friends on this happy holiday!

Glory to Ukraine!

Long live Belarus!" – Uladzimir Niakliayeu wrote on Facebook.