Belarusian opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova has issued a sharp warning to the European Union, indicating that Belarus is at risk of losing its sovereignty due to increasing Russian influence. This warning comes after Kolesnikova spent over five years in prison, having been released in December 2025 following her prominent role in the protests against the controversial re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020.
In an interview with Euronews from Berlin, Kolesnikova expressed her concern that Belarus no longer enjoys the economic independence it once had, noting that Western sanctions have pushed Lukashenko closer to Russia. She confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is benefiting from the lack of communication between Minsk and the European Union.
Details of the Event
Kolesnikova received the Charlemagne Prize on March 14, an award given to individuals who have contributed to promoting European values. She was awarded the prize while still in prison, reflecting international recognition of her role in the struggle for democracy in Belarus. After her release, Kolesnikova stated that she does not regret what happened and that she would do everything again, including going to prison.
Historically, Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994 and is considered one of Putin's closest allies. In February 2022, Lukashenko allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory as a launchpad for the invasion of Ukraine, heightening concerns about Belarus's sovereignty.
Background & Context
In 2020, Belarus witnessed widespread protests following presidential elections that were deemed fraudulent, with Lukashenko officially receiving 80% of the votes. The protests were met with severe violence from the regime, resulting in thousands of arrests and widespread torture. While Kolesnikova and her colleagues resorted to fighting for human rights, the country faced extensive international criticism.
It is noteworthy that Kolesnikova was one of three prominent women in the opposition, alongside Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Veronika Tsepkalo. While Tikhanovskaya and Tsepkalo managed to flee abroad, Kolesnikova was arrested after tearing up her passport in an attempt to prevent her deportation.
Impact & Consequences
Kolesnikova warns that failing to communicate with Lukashenko could ultimately lead to the necessity of engaging with Putin, which would have dire consequences for both Belarus and Europe. She also emphasized that younger generations in Belarus are no longer aware of the protests that occurred in 2020, posing a threat to the future of democracy in the country.
Kolesnikova believes that European support is essential for achieving further democracy and independence in Belarus, stressing the importance of communicating with Lukashenko as a means of protecting the European Union's interests in the region.
Regional Significance
The implications of the situation in Belarus extend beyond its borders, highlighting the importance of dialogue and communication in addressing political crises. The Belarusian experience may serve as a lesson for Arab countries facing similar challenges in governance and popular protests. Additionally, the increasing Russian influence in Belarus could affect regional stability, warranting attention from Arab nations.
In conclusion, Belarus remains in the spotlight, as the international community must take effective steps to support democracy and human rights while ensuring communication with ruling regimes to safeguard shared interests.