Zhyhar and Losik explain to Kalesnikava why her idea of Europe negotiating with Lukashenka is not great

Maria Kalesnikava. Photo by Soeren Stache picture alliance via Getty Images

Belarusian politicians and public figures in exile reacted on social media to Maria Kalesnikava's first interview. The former political prisoner called on European leaders to seek rapprochement with Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Uladzimir Zhyhar

"Interesting and absolutely predictable. Someone should explain to her that Lukashenka's regime is an accomplice in the war. Or whatever they call it – the 'SVO' (Special Military Operation)."

"That filtration camps were organized on the territory of our country; its airspace, as well as its territory, were provided for the invasion and strikes on Ukraine; the economy is fully militarized and supplies weapons and ammunition to the occupiers."

"Although, of course... of course, she knows all this. This is just a certain position. Next will be an act called 'you don't choose your neighbors' and 'if America doesn't disdain, why are we here squirming?'"

Ihar Losik

"Negotiations with Lukashenka are, of course, wonderful, but how many of them have there been over the past 30 years? A couple of years after 'thawings,' he again breaks off all relations and begins repressions. And each time, they are more brutal."

"In early 2020, he was hugging Pompeo, and just six months later, from my cell, I heard grenade explosions and automatic gunfire. It's time to realize that he only understands force. And these 'thawings' are temporary; they lead nowhere and only strengthen Lukashenka in the belief that Europeans are weak and that he can ditch them again at any moment, and nothing will happen to him for it – they will bend to him."

"He is only interested in his own ego, and he is ready to exchange a thousand prisoners not even for the lifting of sanctions or for establishing relations with the European Union. He is not interested in that. In negotiations with the Americans, he put forward the most trivial request, upon the fulfillment of which he is ready to release all political prisoners. Unfortunately, I cannot reveal what it was exactly. But you won't be surprised at all when it happens."

Andrei Stryzhak

"Why doesn't the European Union negotiate with Minsk?"

"The answer to the question that troubles Maria Kalesnikava is very simple: because official Minsk is an ally of imperial Russia, which is waging an aggressive war against Ukraine, which defends pan-European interests."

"And the weaker the overall positions of this alliance (sanctions, restrictions, reduction in trade turnover, and so on), the fewer resources the aggressors have to wage war, and the more expensive it becomes for them."

"And the longer Ukraine defends itself, the later Maria will have to hide in a bomb shelter near Berlin."

Anatol Liabiedzka

"Masha, in order to understand why 'Europe did not start negotiations with Lukashenka before the USA,' firstly, you need to know the history of relations between Brussels and Minsk. Secondly, understand the Europeans' attitude towards Russian aggression in Ukraine. And thirdly, know the nature and essence of the Belarusian regime."

"If this is lacking, then the 'Lego' [constructor/set] doesn't come together."

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