“During a conversation with me, a question was raised on the possibilities to strive for a political dialogue with Belarus. My answer was very clear […] that you [Americans] should very carefully treat all actions of Belarus because it would be very difficult to separate the Belarusian government from Russia due to its very nature and alignment with Russia,” said Nausėda.
The president stated that Belarus might attempt to divide the unity of NATO countries and strive for US policy on Belarus to become significantly different from that of the European Union’s.
The president added that Belarusian military, economic and financial dependency on Russia has formed throughout decades and would not change, whereas the Belarusian regime cannot freely choose its policies ignoring Russia’s demands.
US Special Envoy John Coale last week announced that the USA would lift sanctions on Belarusian bank Belinvestbank, the Development Bank, the finance ministry and fertiliser firms Belarusian Potash Company and Belaruskali.
Meanwhile, Belarus released 15–20 Belarusian political prisoners.
Nausėda welcomed the freeing of political prisoners but noted that other people were being sent to prison.
He added that European sanctions on Belarus are in effect and have been extended for another year.