Lukashenko's Diplomacy Dance: Belarus' Reach for Western Relations

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko met with a US envoy in Minsk, eyeing improved relations with the West. Despite releasing political prisoners and seeking diplomatic engagement, Belarus continues to face criticism for its human rights record and remains under Western sanctions. Lukashenko's rule, marked by a crackdown on dissent, persists.

Belarus' authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, hosted a US envoy in Minsk, seeking to mend strained ties with Western nations. Talks, continuing into Saturday, represent efforts to rehabilitate Belarus' isolation, despite lingering criticism over its human rights record.

Lukashenko's meeting follows the release of over 430 political prisoners since July 2024, viewed as an olive branch to the West. The diplomatic thaw aims to alleviate years of sanctions and lateral pressures from Western powers, exacerbated by Belarus' alignment with Russia and its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

The journey to reestablish connections with the West coincides with the return of Donald Trump to the White House, prompting further prisoner releases. However, human rights advocates highlight continuous crackdowns on dissent, with roughly 1,200 political prisoners still behind bars, emphasizing the ongoing suppression under Lukashenko's regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)