Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 March (BelTA) – The people of Belarus are mourning the victims of the Kemerovo fire together with Russia, Head of the Belarus President Administration Natalya Kochanova told journalists as she visited the Russian Embassy in Minsk to commemorate the victims of the tragedy on 28 March, BelTA has learned.

“Russians are fraternal people for us. Sorrow over the horrible tragedy that has changed the lives of Kemerovo citizens echoed in the hearts of our people. Today our thoughts are with Russians. We are mourning with you,” Natalya Kochanova said.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered to fly flags at half mast and cancel entertaining programs in solidarity with Russia, which is observing a day of national mourning for Kemerovo fire victims on March 28.

“We mourn with the people of Russia. Belarusians and Russians are the friendliest people. We are together in joy and grief,” Natalya Kochanova noted.

It is hard to express all the feelings, she added. “It is hard both to speak and keep silent about it. I believe that every Belarusian family is thinking about the horrible tragedy that happened in Russia, our neighboring country. We understand, certainly, that it is simply impossible to find words of solace for the families and friends of the victims. But it is easier to deal with this grief together,” she remarked.