Leader of the “Solidarność” Trade Union Meets with Aliaksandr Yarashuk

On 11 February 2026, a meeting took place in Warsaw between Piotr Duda, chairman of the Polish trade union NSZZ “Solidarność,” his deputies, and the leaders of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), which has continued its work in exile since the liquidation of independent trade unions in Belarus in 2022. The BKDP was represented by Aliaksandr Yarashuk and Siarhei Antusevich, tysol.pl reports.

Meeting between Piotr Duda and Aleksandr Yarashuk / photo: M. Zheglinsky

The meeting took place as an open dialogue, demonstrating the mutual respect and solidarity between the Polish and Belarusian independent trade union movements. The parties discussed the current situation of imprisoned union activists in Belarus, as well as prospects for further international support.

“We did everything possible so that we could meet today. Throughout this whole time, we were with you in our thoughts and did everything we could to help you regain your freedom as soon as possible,” Piotr Duda emphasized during the emotional first meeting with his freed colleague.

Aliaksandr Yarashuk expressed gratitude to NSZZ “Solidarność” for its consistent support of the Belarusian independent trade unions - both on the international stage and through concrete solidarity and assistance actions. He recalled Piotr Duda’s visit to Minsk in September 2020, at the height of mass protests and escalating repression. Yarashuk admitted that the visit was an important signal of support at a moment when trade union activists were under unprecedented pressure.

“At that time, I still didn’t realize what I would soon have to go through,” he noted.

One of the most emotional moments was Yarashuk’s account of his unjust imprisonment in Belarus. He spoke about the conditions of isolation, psychological pressure, and systemic repression against trade union leaders. Many of his colleagues remain behind bars.

Yarashuk stressed that the awareness of international solidarity, including support from “Solidarność”, helped him maintain inner resilience while in isolation.

“In prison, such signals are of crucial importance,” the freed trade union leader said.

After the liquidation of independent trade unions in 2022, the BKDP has continued its activities in exile. Its representatives are currently based in Germany, coordinating international work and the campaign for the release of all trade union political prisoners in Belarus.

The meeting in Warsaw once again demonstrated that international trade union solidarity remains an important tool for defending workers’ rights and freedom of association globally.

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