Uladzimir Niakliayeu Met With Petro Poroshenko

A meeting of one of the leaders of the Belarusian National Congress and the President of Ukraine lasted for about an hour.

February 20, the President of Ukraine met with the parents of the Heavenly Hundred heroes, including the father and the mother of the Belarusian Mikhail Zhizneuski, who died on the Maidan in Kiev. The public activist Volha Nikalaichyk and one of the leaders of the Belarusian National Congress, the poet Uladzimir Niakliayeu also attended the event.

After the meeting, Petro Poroshenko held talks with Uladzimir Niakliayeu one on one.

"The talk was primarily about political issues. We talked about the situation that is emerging around Belarus and Ukraine. We also talked about the things that Ukraine and Belarus could have done together, – the politician commented to the Charter97.org site on the meeting. – Ukraine would like to see real steps toward true democratization in Belarus. This is what Belarusians have to do. Ukraine can help us spiritually and assist at the international level."

Also, Uladzimir Niakliayeu and Poroshenko discussed the possibility of awarding Belarusian Mikhail Zhizneuski, who died at Maidan, the title of Hero of Ukraine.

"Mikhail Zhizneuski’s parents asked to raise the issue at the meeting with Petro Poroshenko on awarding their son the title of Hero of Ukraine. This could not be done formally, because the title of Hero of Ukraine is assigned to its citizens. Petro Poroshenko promised to assist and grant Mikhail Ukrainian citizenship posthumously. He said bluntly: " Mikhail Zhizneuski will become a Hero of Ukraine", – Uladzimir Niakliayeu said.