Belarus opposition figure urges EU dialogue with Lukashenko
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
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Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova has called on European leaders to engage in direct dialogue with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, arguing that such a move could help alleviate the suffering of political prisoners and their families. Speaking to German media outlet DW, Kolesnikova emphasized that Lukashenko holds ultimate authority in Belarus and stressed the importance of reopening diplomatic channels with him. She outlined several key goals for EU engagement: securing the release of all political prisoners, ensuring freed detainees can choose where to live freely, halting repression, and ending Belarus's isolation on both internal and international fronts.
Kolesnikova, who was released from prison in mid-December after serving time related to her involvement in opposition activities, acknowledged that she does not have a clear answer as to why Lukashenko would agree to these terms. However, she argued that the first step should be for the EU to directly ask Lukashenko what he wants from the dialogue. She defended the idea of engaging with Lukashenko, despite his reputation as an authoritarian leader often labeled "Europe's last dictator." Kolesnikova emphasized that while critics may disapprove of her stance, they should consider the families of political prisoners who have been detained for years and prioritize saving lives.
Since her release, Kolesnikova has been granted political asylum in Germany, where she now resides. She rejected any sense of guilt for the arrests and repression that followed the 2020 protests she helped lead, insisting that those actions were carried out by others and not her or her associates. She stressed the importance of unity within the opposition and avoiding internal conflicts, as Belarusians share a common country and many in exile hope to return home someday. While Kolesnikova acknowledged the challenges of holding those responsible for repression accountable, she remained hopeful about the possibility of change through dialogue.
This appeal by Kolesnikova comes at a critical time, as international attention remains focused on Belarus's political landscape. The potential for EU engagement with Lukashenko could have significant implications not only for Belarus but also for how authoritarian regimes engage with the West. By advocating for direct dialogue, Kolesnikova is challenging the status quo and pushing for a pragmatic approach to resolving the ongoing crisis in Belarus. Her message underscores the importance of diplomacy over confrontation, even in the face of strong political differences.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026