Lukashenko Says Admitting Past Disputes Could Help Belarus–US Relations Move Forward

Post by : Saif Nasser

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has suggested that relations between Belarus and the United States could improve after years of tension. He said a possible starting point would be the United States accepting that efforts to challenge his 2020 re-election did not succeed. His comments come as both sides have shown limited signs of engagement in recent months.

Lukashenko has been in power since 1994. His re-election in 2020, which officially gave him a sixth term, triggered the largest protests Belarus has ever seen. Many people inside the country, along with Western governments, said the election was not fair and refused to recognise the results. Russia, however, quickly backed Lukashenko and continues to support his government.

The protests were met with a harsh response. Thousands of demonstrators were arrested, and many opposition figures were detained or forced into exile. In response, the United States and its allies imposed sanctions on Belarus. Tensions grew further after Belarus allowed Russian forces to use its territory during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

In an interview with the US media outlet Newsmax, Lukashenko said that both Belarusians and Americans are practical and capable of reaching agreements. He claimed that the West had tried to overturn his re-election and failed, and that quietly recognising this reality could open the door to dialogue. He said there was no need for public statements, but insisted that moving past the dispute was necessary for better relations.

Lukashenko also questioned why relations with the United States remain poor. He said Belarus has not acted against American interests and expressed a desire for normal and respectful ties. His remarks appeared aimed at reducing suspicion and encouraging talks.

Despite deep disagreements, there have been some recent contacts between the two sides. US envoys have visited Belarus to discuss ways to improve relations and to seek the release of people the West considers political prisoners. Just last week, a US representative helped secure the release of 123 detainees, marking one of the largest such releases in recent years.

However, major obstacles remain. Sanctions on Belarus are still in place, and the United States continues to criticise the country over human rights issues and its close ties with Russia. Any real improvement in relations would likely depend on meaningful changes on these issues.

Lukashenko’s comments suggest he is testing whether Washington is willing to move toward a cautious reset. Whether this leads to lasting change or remains only a political message will depend on steps taken by both Belarus and the United States in the future.