Natallia Radzina: Miracles Happen More Often Than You Think
- 31.12.2025, 11:16
We continue to believe in the Belarusians.
Editor-in-Chief of Charter97.org Natallia Radzina summarized 2025:
- Some of the happiest moments of this year for me were the release of political prisoners from prison and the realization that everything happens for a reason.
This year I had to look back and remember my life. I did so for Yuri Felshtinsky's Natallia Radzina's Belarus. At first there were long conversations under recording, then work directly on the book. It was a complete immersion into the past, the recovery of many events, meetings, people, thoughts and feelings. It was very difficult: one event triggered dozens of others, past the will I began to analyze, to assume what would have happened if I had acted differently, would have chosen a different road, would have made a different decision, would have said the wrong words. But when Yuri Georgievich sent me the finished book, I saw what a marvelous way everything worked out in life. And even prison, hard and long escape from the country, and then forced emigration were necessary stages of the way. Absolutely everything, including the smallest events, happened for the best.
Yes, it is easier to see the logic in your own life than to find it in the world around you. We live in a difficult time, there is a war and there is a lot of grief around. And looking at the general chaos, there doesn't seem to be much hope for the best. But miracles happen much more often than we think or have time to notice.
Wasn't it a miracle that so many political prisoners were released this year? A year ago, summarizing the results, we did not even imagine that so many of our heroes would be free. But they came out and, although not all of them could stay in their native country, the main thing is that they are alive: Polina Sharendo-Panasiuk, Yauhen Afnagel, Ales Bialiatski, Maksim Viniarski, Pavel Seviarynets and many others.
All these people, who went through hard trials for the sake of the idea of free Belarus, are the national gold reserve. I am sure that all of them will find themselves in the new reality and continue to serve the common cause. None of the released, with whom I've talked or whose interviews I've read, regrets that they came out to protest against dictatorship and arbitrariness back then, in 2020. Therefore, I continue to believe in Belarusians.
And the feat of Mikalai Statkevich, who refused to leave Belarus and returned to prison? Today, many recognized him as the Man of the Year, because with his action Statkevich not only inspired Belarusians, but also aroused respect for the people, who have such heroes. Such deeds inspire hope.
Another hero of the year is the recently departed journalist Nikita Melkozerov. His premature death came as a shock, but let's say thank you to Nikita for what he was, because in recent years this bright blogger unexpectedly took on the mission of reviving interest in Belarusian history, culture and language among young people. Everything he managed to do is already a common asset, which, I am sure, will be developed by his admirers and followers.
And how many not so visible and not at all covered by the press good deeds are daily done by Belarusians both at home and abroad for the sake of the dream of a free Belarus? There are thousands and thousands of acts of solidarity, support, help, creation and development. For example, very many people have helped this year the site "Charter'97" to continue its work and I am immensely grateful to all the foundations, patrons and readers who supported the free word.
I am convinced: whatever happens today in the world and in our life, the main thing is an idea and a dream. As long as the idea of a free democratic Belarus is alive, as long as people are ready to act and sacrifice for the sake of this dream - Belarus will be alive too. And there will always be hope.
Welcome New Year, friends!