Kalesnikava spoke about a meeting with a diplomat involved in the release of political prisoners

He is one of the key American diplomats involved in negotiations with official Minsk regarding the release of political prisoners. "Zerkalo" (The Mirror) asked Kalesnikava for details of the meeting and whether a new visit by an American delegation to Belarus should be expected.

The meeting between Maria Kalesnikava and Chris Smith took place on June 29 in Washington. Also present were the politician's sister Tatsiana Khomich and a member of her team, Anton Radniankou.

— Chris has done tremendous work on the Belarusian track. It was with his participation that a high-level dialogue was initiated with the Belarusian authorities, including direct contacts with Alexander Lukashenka. He repeatedly visited Minsk and was at the origins of a process that continues today, — Maria Kalesnikava told "Zerkalo" (The Mirror) in a comment.

She was also asked whether the question of when the next visit to Minsk by an American delegation led by US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coe would take place for negotiations on the release of political prisoners was discussed during the meeting with Chris Smith.

— The prospect of such a visit exists, but it's not a simple process, — Maria replied.

After the visit to Minsk by US Special Envoy John Coe on March 19, 2026, 250 political prisoners were released. In total, with the assistance of the USA, over 500 Belarusian political prisoners have been released.

Christopher (Chris) Smith is a career American diplomat who serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern European Affairs. He oversees relations with Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus. Previously, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Office characterized Smith as "the most consistent partner in the USA," noting his special role in the process of releasing political prisoners.

Kalesnikava's visit to the USA will last a week. The former political prisoner plans to meet with American politicians involved in the Belarusian direction, and will also visit expert organizations.

As part of the trip, Kalesnikava became a Kissinger Fellow at the American McCain Institute for 2026-2027. As noted in the organization's press release, Maria will work on forming a unified transatlantic approach to Belarus that "combines pressure with pragmatic engagement and leaves channels open where they can yield results."

McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas noted that "Maria Kalesnikava combines the strategic foresight of Henry Kissinger with John McCain's courage in the face of adversity, as well as a dedication to service above self-interest."

— We are deeply honored to support her timely work on this incredibly important issue, — Farkas stated.

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