"I want to use my combat experience to liberate my own country": Belarusian volunteer on war in Ukraine and future of Belarus

Born two years after dictator Alexander Lukashenko came to power, Hottab has never seen another form of government in his country. Now, he wants a better future for Belarus, but first, he came to help fight the occupiers in Ukraine.

Espreso spoke with the Belarusian volunteer, an intelligence officer with the Belarusian Volunteer Corps under Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, about the nature of service in this unit and whether Belarus is ready to follow Ukraine's path.

"Everyone wants freedom, but no one wants to work for it"

What is the main mission and objective of the Belarusian Volunteer Corps (BVC)?

Currently, BVC's main mission is to support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for independence. Our goals are to eliminate the enemy as effectively as possible, gain military experience, and unite Belarusian youth who are ready to act for the future liberation of Belarus.

Do you believe there will be future movements for independence from Russia in Belarus, and that BVC might engage in armed resistance against the Lukashenko regime? What are the chances?

Like all normal Belarusians, we naturally want freedom for our country—to destroy the pro-Russian Lukashenko regime and free people from prisons. However, regarding armed resistance inside Belarus, I personally believe it's currently unlikely. The vast majority of Belarusians simply don’t want it. They claim to want freedom but are unwilling to act. Maybe, if Ukraine defeats Russia or under other circumstances, people might begin to act. But for now, no radical action should be expected. The regime's screws are too tight. People inside the country can't do anything.

On the other hand, we must understand that no one will solve this problem for us—not Europe, Ukraine, or the U.S. Only we can. But when that will happen is a big question.

How do you assess the general sentiment of Belarusians toward the war in Ukraine?

Most Belarusians are clearly against the aggression. But we can’t deny that some support Russia. Unfortunately, there are always outliers in every family.

Do you see yourself participating in the liberation of Belarus from the pro-Russian regime? When might this happen?

If it does happen, I doubt anyone would refuse to apply their military knowledge and experience to liberate their own country.

"No untrained person is sent to fight"

How and when did you leave Belarus? When did you arrive in Ukraine and join the BVC? Why this choice?

I left Belarus first for Poland—I got a visa and entered the European Union. I was there before the full-scale war. In mid-2022, I came to Ukraine.

Initially, I joined another Belarusian organization. But we didn’t quite click. I was interested in different things. So I joined the guys in the "Terror" battalion (named in honor of fallen Belarusian volunteer Zmitser "Terror" Apanasovich), which later became part of the BVC. These were the people who were truly fighting the war at that time, not involved in political games.

The BVC fully formed in 2023.

A cat from Zaporizhzhia – the house's owner. Fighters lived with him. August 2024

What is the structure and organization of the BVC?

Currently, BVC consists of a commander and several field teams. There are units with heavy weapons, mortar teams, a medical evacuation group, and a supply unit. Everyone in the Corps participates in combat operations. A few of our members are Ukrainians, but almost all are Belarusians.

Of course, we coordinate with other units as needed.

What kind of training did you undergo before joining the BVC?

Tactical and firearms training, tactical medicine, and physical training. No one sends an untrained person into combat until they reach a certain level.

Did you have any military experience before coming to Ukraine?

I picked up a weapon for the first time in Ukraine. I came specifically to fight.

War, Bakhmut, and rock 'n' roll

Tell us more about combat on the front lines. What is it like, especially in intelligence? Can you recall a memorable battle?

We usually receive an order, and the team goes out to gather intelligence for planning combat operations. War is dangerous throughout. Risks are always high. But if no one does it, we’ll never win.

I remember enjoying the assault on enemy positions near Bakhmut. It was on the “road of life.” We went in, destroyed the enemy, completed our task, and secured the line. Then we waited for the next group to arrive and hold the position. It felt very "rock 'n' roll," you could say. The dynamic of that battle is something I’ll never forget.

Working on a shelter. August 2024

Were Wagner forces fighting in that direction?

It seems so. Possibly it was a mixed force. To my knowledge, I was on Wagner positions, but I can’t confirm 100%. Could have been Wagner and regular Russian troops together.

Do you remember how you were wounded?

It was during a mission. Unfortunately, an enemy drone dropped a grenade at my feet. The injury was quite unpleasant. Recovery has been long, and the prognosis isn't great. I’m still hoping to retain function in my leg.

How can Belarusians join the BVC? What are the requirements? Are there any fundraising efforts?

Belarusians can apply via the "Join" button in the BVC Telegram channel. Submit an application and wait—they’ll contact you for an initial screening. The main requirements are motivation and discipline. Everything else will be taught. Let people join—it’ll be fun and interesting.

As for support, the war evolves constantly, especially technologically. There’s currently a general fundraiser open for all BVC needs.

Are there any risks of persecution or repression against your relatives in Belarus due to your activities?

Most likely, there won’t be direct questions. But if it comes to light that someone is fighting for Ukraine, the authorities probably won’t be able to reach the person directly—lack of resources and courage. However, they might pressure family—intimidation, job dismissals, moral harassment. That’s why many of us keep our identities hidden.