We are not Russia, we are Belarus, and no country should influence our people's decision, Tihanovskaya

The former opposition presidential candidate of Belarus, Sviatlana Tihanovskaya, stated on the American Fox News channel that it is unacceptable for outside forces to meddle in Belarus's internal affairs.

As noted by the channel, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko spoke again this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns that Moscow might intervene in Belarus's matters.

The opposition leader emphasized that activists are neither anti-Western nor anti-Russian, asserting that their country is sovereign.

“We are not Russia, we are Belarus. Our people want to live in a democratic country, and no country should influence our people's decision,” she said.

When asked if she would be surprised a year ago to see herself in her current position, she answered positively with a smile. “Of course. I found a strength in myself that I never thought I had,” she replied.

It is worth noting that protests and rallies in support of the opposition continue in Minsk and other Belarusian cities following the presidential elections held on August 9, in which the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, allegedly won with 80% of the votes.