Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Belarus Seeks US Deal Without Harming Russia Ties
Belarus's president, Alexander Lukashenko, says his country is close to making a big deal with the United States.
He expects to meet with US President Donald Trump to improve relations.
This comes after Belarus released many political prisoners, which led the US to ease some sanctions.
Lukashenko says this deal won't hurt Belarus's close ties with Russia.
He also mentioned receiving a new hypersonic missile from Russia.
The US hopes to influence Lukashenko to distance himself from Russia, but the exiled opposition says this is unlikely because Lukashenko depends heavily on Russia's support.
Lukashenko also said he won't negotiate with the opposition, which he calls 'thugs'.
Belarus is nearing a major deal with the US but will maintain close ties with Russia.
Lukashenko expects a summit with Trump following the release of political prisoners and easing of US sanctions.
The US hopes to influence Lukashenko to distance himself from Putin, but the exiled opposition says this is unlikely.
Discussions include reopening the US embassy in Minsk and necessary security arrangements.
Lukashenko received a new hypersonic missile from Russia and ruled out negotiating with the exiled opposition.
- Who
- Alexander Lukashenko, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, exiled Belarusian opposition
- What
- Potential US-Belarus summit, release of political prisoners, discussions on reopening US embassy
- When
- Recent weeks, with a focus on the past few days
- Where
- Belarus, United States, Russia
- Why
- To restore relations between the US and Belarus, ease sanctions, and discuss security arrangements
- Key Figures
- Alexander Lukashenko, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin
- Location
- Belarus, United States, Russia
- Event
- Potential US-Belarus summit, release of political prisoners
- Sanctions
- Easing of US sanctions in exchange for prisoner release
- Missile
- Oreshnik hypersonic missile delivered to Belarus
- Prisoners Released
- 123 political prisoners released
- US Embassy
- Discussions on reopening US embassy in Minsk
- Protests
- Lukashenko rules out negotiating with exiled opposition