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He made such a statement on the eve of reports that Belarusian authorities had attempted to forcibly deport opposition activist Mary Kalesnikava to Ukrainian territory and expelled two of her colleagues.
“As for what happened yesterday, we have good reason to believe that these people did not enter Ukraine voluntarily, diplomatically speaking,” Kuleba said during his visit to Portugal.
“I made it very clear yesterday that even though the Ukrainian border is free and open to Belarusian citizens, we will react strongly to any attempt by the Belarusian or Russian special services to abuse the opening of Ukraine,” he added.
According to the minister, Kiev understands that “we must extend a helping hand to the people of Belarus” as the country survives a deep political crisis after the disputed presidential elections in August.
“Therefore, even though Ukraine restricted the entry of foreigners to Ukraine in September, we do not apply these restrictions to Belarusian citizens,” Kuleba said.
“We understand that free migration during the crisis also poses certain dangers, but we believe that now it is more important to support the people of Belarus, those who are leaving the country due to repression, human rights abuses,” he continued.
“Any strengthening of Russia’s position in Belarus represents a threat to Ukraine’s national security. Ukraine is interested in Belarus being an independent and sovereign country with a prosperous democracy and a market economy. We will be very sorry if the situation in Belarus worsens. during this crisis, “said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.
On Monday it was impossible to contact M. Kalesnikava, member of the presidium of the Coordination Council established by the Belarusian opposition, Anton Radniankov, spokesman, and Ivan Kravcov, executive secretary.
Ukrainian border guards confirmed that A. Radniankov and I. Kravtsov had arrived in the country. M. Kalesnikava did not visit the border checkpoint.
“Reuters” / “Scanpix” nuotrary / Mary Kalesnikava
According to the Deputy Minister of the Interior of Ukraine, Anton Heraščenko, the departure of both opponents was a “forced expulsion”, and M. Kalesnikava opposed such actions.
An informed source told the Interfax news agency that he did not cross the border into Ukraine because he tore up his passport in an attempt to forcibly remove him from Belarus. This information was later confirmed by the companions of M. Kalesnikava.
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