The United States has unexpectedly taken steps to normalize relations with Lukashenko, which could mean a process of his legitimization. This was stated on the air of the Apostrophe TV channel by Belarusian opposition journalist and blogger Tatyana Martynova.
According to her, in Minsk, Donald Trump administration representative John Cole reported that the US president had officially ordered the lifting of sanctions against Belavia airline, as well as the resumption of work of the American embassy in Minsk in the near future, the return of the ambassador and the normalization of relations with Belarus.
Martynova emphasized that such steps look surprising against the backdrop of political repression in the country and the presence of Russian troops.
" In this country, where political prisoners are kept, where there are about 13 thousand Russian military personnel […]. In addition, the air defense system of Russia and Belarus has long been integrated into a single one, this also needs to be understood. And it is to this country that Trump's representative comes, lifts sanctions from Belavia ," the journalist said.
The journalist noted that most of the sanctions of the Lukashenko regime were bypassed through Russia and China. At the same time, there were restrictions that could not be bypassed: a ban on Belavia flights in European skies.
She stressed that such lifting of sanctions is not economic, but rather political and geopolitical in nature. According to her, Trump may try to balance between authoritarian regimes and distance Lukashenko from Moscow, but such maneuvers are unlikely.
Martynova explained that the authoritarian world, trying to expand its influence on democratic countries, receives support from Trump, who in fact legitimizes leaders who are criminals and tyrants. She emphasized that this poses a serious threat to international security.
And at this extremely difficult moment, when chaos reigns in Europe, a representative of Trump comes to the Belarusian "balcony", shakes Lukashenko's hand, brings a written appeal, lifts sanctions and literally says: "Peace, friendship, chewing gum… Our relations are good, but not ideal. We must make them ideal," she summed up.
On September 11, the United States lifted sanctions against the Belarusian state airline Belavia.
Earlier it was reported that the self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is negotiating with US representatives. Lukashenko is offering to soften sanctions in exchange for the release of prisoners.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that Alexander Lukashenko had released 52 prisoners. According to him, more than 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarusian prisons.
Also before the Alaska summit, US President Donald Trump called the self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. On the air of the Apostrophe TV channel, the expert explained why this was an unexpected step that could have important consequences for Ukraine.