Former bodyguard Viachaslau Hranouski is now battling against Russian forces in Ukraine to free Belarus

Viachaslau Hranouski used to protect Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus. But now, he is fighting to remove him from power. Hranouski is a former policeman who joined a group called the Kastuś Kalinoŭski regiment. This group is made up of Belarusians who left their country to fight on the front lines in Ukraine.

Belarus is very close to Russia. President Lukashenko has supported Russian President Vladimir Putin in his war against Ukraine. 

[Belarus is Russia's closest ally and has supported Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine (Image: Getty)]

In 2022, Lukashenko allowed Russian soldiers to invade Ukraine from Belarus. He also let Russian missiles attack Ukraine. People are worried that Russia might put nuclear weapons in Belarus, which could make things even more dangerous for Ukraine.

Hranouski spoke from Kharkiv, Ukraine. He said that fighting Lukashenko has also become a fight against Putin. He remembered the moment he decided to leave his job in 2020. That year, there were huge protests in Belarus after an election that many people think was unfair. This election gave Lukashenko another term as president.

Hranouski was one of the main guards who protected Lukashenko from the angry protesters. He realized he did not want to be part of a bad system anymore. He said, “There I was, protecting the man who had hijacked the country. That was the moment I understood I didn’t want to be part of it anymore.”

As a bodyguard, Hranouski saw the Belarusian government hurting protesters. His colleagues made fun of the people who were fighting for their rights. This made him feel ashamed and angry.

In 2020, Hranouski quickly left Belarus. After Russia invaded Ukraine, he knew he had to act. He joined the fight against Putin’s forces. Hranouski has fought in many battles. He survived the siege of Bakhmut, an important city in the war. Sadly, he lost four close friends during the fighting.

Hranouski now sees Lukashenko as his enemy. He believes Lukashenko only stays in power because of Russia. To defeat Lukashenko, they must fight against Putin too. Hranouski said hundreds of Belarusians are now fighting alongside Ukrainian forces for freedom.

The Kastuś Kalinoŭski regiment has a clear mission. They are not just fighting for Ukraine but also for a Belarus free from dictatorship. They want to free Belarus through the freedom of Ukraine. Hranouski believes that if Ukraine wins, it could help bring down Lukashenko’s rule in Belarus.

Back in Belarus, Hranouski faces serious trouble with the law. He has many charges against him, like being a mercenary and high treason. Even with these charges, he has no regrets. He said he does not care about his former colleagues who still support Lukashenko.

He remembered a very sad moment: “I watched my Ukrainian brother get torn apart right in front of me at the beginning of the invasion. Why would I care about those who support the killers?” His words show how committed he is to fighting for freedom.