19-year-old Belarusian from Azov battalion: The weaker Russia is, the stronger Belarus is

A former football fan from Minsk fights for Ukraine's freedom.

Belarusian Artsiom said in an interview with Nasha Niva that he fought for “the good” and had no plans to return home. According to him, the weaker Russia is, the more opportunities Belarusians have to revive their culture and language.

Artsiom has been in Ukraine for six months. He marked his 19th birthday in the Azov battalion. His parents are against their son's decision. Artsiom thinks he will be pressed by the KGB or jailed if he returns to Belarus.

Many Belarusians took part in the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine.