Story perspectives

Maria Kolesnikova Urges EU to Engage Belarus' Lukashenko

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maria Kolesnikova (Belarus opposition leader) urged European leaders to reopen channels with Alexander Lukashenko to ease political prisoners' suffering.
She said the European Union has leverage over Lukashenko, the Belarusian decision-maker.
Her goals include freeing political prisoners and ending repression through engagement.
Now living in Germany after asylum, she defended dialogue with Lukashenko and urged Belarusian opposition unity.
She rejected blame for the 2020 protests.

1 of 1

Story summary

Maria Kolesnikova (Belarus opposition leader) urged European leaders to reopen channels with Alexander Lukashenko to ease political prisoners' suffering.
She said the European Union has leverage over Lukashenko, the Belarusian decision-maker.
Her goals include freeing political prisoners and ending repression through engagement.
Now living in Germany after asylum, she defended dialogue with Lukashenko and urged Belarusian opposition unity.
She rejected blame for the 2020 protests.