“I’m returning because I cannot abandon Poles in Belarus.” Andrzej Poczobut for Rzeczpospolita

The Union of Poles in Belarus (ZPB) stands as a beacon of Polish identity and resilience in a challenging environment. Andrzej Poczobut's decision to remain in Belarus, despite the risks, underscores a profound commitment to the thousands of Poles living there. His words, shared with Rzeczpospolita, reveal a deep sense of duty towards a community he has served for over two decades.

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We cannot abandon them.

Poczobut's narrative is not one of personal sacrifice alone, but a testament to the collective spirit of the ZPB. He recounts how the organization, despite being dismantled in 2005, rebuilt itself to an unprecedented scale, establishing over 100 Polish language learning points by 2020. This success story, he insists, is crucial for Poles in Belarus to hear, especially when they express concern for his safety.

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I was in prison because for many years we worked for the preservation of Polishness in Belarus. And I believe that we are part of a success story.

His refusal to leave, even when offered a chance to depart, was driven by a powerful sense of solidarity. When authorities targeted children of Polish-speaking families, using fabricated pretexts related to historical memory, Poczobut felt compelled to stand with them. His presence, he believes, is a shield for hundreds of thousands of Poles, ensuring the organization's activities, though restricted, continue uninterrupted. This unwavering dedication to cultural survival, in the face of political pressure, is a story that resonates deeply within the Polish community, both in Belarus and abroad.

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When I go out on the street, people stop me and say: just don't go to Belarus.