Lukashenko Ready for Trump Meeting After U.S. Deal

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated in recent interviews that he is prepared to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump as soon as negotiators finalize a comprehensive agreement between Minsk and Washington, signaling potential steps toward normalizing long-strained relations.

Lukashenko, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, made the comments during discussions with Russian media outlets, including RT and state news agency BELTA. He emphasized that the deal must reflect the interests of both nations and extend beyond mere sanction relief to address broader economic and diplomatic issues. "Once we finalize this at a lower level, we're ready to meet with Donald and sign the agreement," Lukashenko said. He added that while a face-to-face summit would be welcome, it serves as a means to advance mutual benefits rather than an end in itself.

The talks, which have involved several rounds this year, center on humanitarian and economic concessions. U.S. envoy John Coale has played a key role in facilitating progress, including the recent release of 250 political prisoners in Belarus. This brings the total number of detainees freed since last May to more than...