The Belarusian leader, whose legitimacy is not recognized by most Western countries, Alexander Lukashenko, has declared his readiness for a “grand deal” with the United States – provided that Minsk’s interests are taken into account.

This was reported by the Belarusian state agency BelTA.

“We are waiting for their global proposals. If the US wants a big deal, we are open to dialogue. But everything must be fair: their demands are against ours. If a compromise is possible, let’s work,” Lukashenko said.

He also mentioned Donald Trump’s initiatives, calling them “normal”, but stressed that Belarus has its own “red lines” and expects them to be taken into account.

Lukashenko has instructed to develop a strategic document on the development of bilateral relations with Washington. This concerns not only economic or diplomatic cooperation, but also the potential role of Belarus in the settlement of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“If the Americans really want to end the war in Ukraine and see a place for Belarus there, we are not against participating in this process,” Lukashenko added.

Political scientists note that such statements can have several purposes:

US signal: Minsk is trying to become a player in the big geopolitical game again, despite isolation after the 2020 protests.

Strengthening bargaining with Moscow: Demonstrative “openness to the West” may be an element of Lukashenko’s game with the Kremlin – to preserve the maneuver.

Searching for guarantees: In the event of an escalation of the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, Lukashenko wants to “insure himself” in advance through negotiations with other centers of power.

As a reminder, Minsk tried to justify the presence of Russian weapons on its territory . Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov stated that the country was allegedly “forced” to deploy tactical nuclear weapons and Oreshnik ballistic missiles to guarantee its own security.

As reported, on September 11, US President’s Special Representative John Cole arrived in Minsk on an official visit. In the Belarusian capital, he held talks with the country’s self-proclaimed leader Alexander Lukashenko. During the meeting , the parties discussed the possible restoration of diplomatic relations, easing of sanctions pressure, and the fate of political prisoners.

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