Thank you, Chair.
I want to thank both of the witnesses for being here. I think it's very valuable that we delve more into the Belarusian situation.
In particular, I want to thank you, Mr. Astapenka, for your testimony and also for your personal work and sacrifice. I read a little bit about your background and see that you've been personally targeted as well. I want to salute your courage and share that I had an opportunity here in Ottawa to meet with Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, and I greatly admire her incredible leadership and courage.
The main focus today is sanctions, but I'd like to give you an opportunity to share a little bit about what you think Canada can do to positively support the Belarusian people and the Belarusian opposition. In addition to applying tough and consistent sanctions to the existing regime, how can we support you in your movement for freedom and justice?