Aleksandr Lukashenko takes part in nationwide subbotnik

On the day of the nationwide subbotnik Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko worked to beautify the World War Two memorial complex Khatyn.

As part of his team the head of state was busy planting trees in the territory of the complex. A small oak tree grove has been planted there: as many as 80 oak trees have been planted on the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of the tragedy. Representatives of worker collectives, activists of the public association Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) came to Khatyn to participate in the nationwide subbotnik (voluntary labor day). They took care of cleaning up and landscape gardening, of adding more soil and flattening it out.

Before getting down to work Aleksandr Lukashenko together with the director of the memorial complex Artur Zelsky was made familiar with the beautification of the complex. As he examined the territory, the president said: “It is necessary to do something every year. To add some cherry on the cake every year.” A restored church in the territory of the complex has become one of such “cherries”, he remarked.

Artur Zelsky noted: “The church fits these surroundings surprisingly well. As if it was always there. Besides, it has the style of the 18^th century without overdoing it. What was done here in 2022 can be compared only to the creation of the memorial itself. A new life was breathed into the memorial. It is entirely your accomplishment.” In his words, over 10,000 people have visited the memorial complex within one month.

The head of state stressed: “The Brest Fortress and Khatyn are internationally famous places. This is why we certainly have to keep up the highest standards there.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why it is necessary to plant greenery in the memorial complex. “It was a beautiful village. Particularly here when it was swamped with greenery and flowers in spring… Apple trees in blossom.”

He emphasized that all the trees planted last year had taken root. The thoughts of those who did this work may have had something to do with it. “Everything in nature feels things and is interconnected. We simply haven’t learned it yet. It seems to me we know nothing at all about nature. This is why we’d better pray for it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

On the whole, he is convinced that by beautifying the memorial complex participants of the subbotnik are doing the right thing.

Aleksandr Lukashenko has been helping beautify the World War Two memorial complex Khatyn for two years in a row during subbotniks. A month ago he and his sons visited the complex on the 80^th anniversary of the Khatyn tragedy.