Belarus is moving closer to a significant agreement to improve relations with the United States, according to President Alexander Lukashenko. This announcement comes shortly after he released a large number of political prisoners in exchange for a reduction in U. S. sanctions. Lukashenko expressed optimism about a future meeting with U. S. President Donald Trump, noting that discussions are progressing towards a major deal. Historically, Lukashenko was viewed unfavorably by the West due to his human rights abuses and support for Russia amid its conflict in Ukraine.
U. S. officials acknowledge that Lukashenko has provided useful insights in efforts to resolve the Ukraine war and hope that engaging with him might lessen his ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the exiled Belarusian opposition argues that Lukashenko is too reliant on Putin’s support for any meaningful change. Lukashenko mentioned ongoing discussions to reopen the U. S. embassy in Minsk and emphasized that his warming relations with the U. S. would not affect his relationship with Russia, asserting a long-term commitment to his ties with Putin.
Additionally, Lukashenko showcased the recent delivery of a new hypersonic missile from Russia and expressed his determination to avoid a repeat of the mass protests that erupted in 2020. He dismissed negotiating with exiled opposition members, mockingly commenting on the condition of one of the released prisoners.
With information from Reuters