Donald Trump. TASS archive photo
MINSK, 2 March (BelTA) – In an interview with the Belarus 1 television channel, military analyst and former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter explained why US President Donald Trump called Aleksandr Lukashenko before his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The expert noted that calling Aleksandr Lukashenko was the right decision for Trump. “This is a clever move. To influence Vladimir Putin, you have the direct channel, which is Trump to Putin. But there is also the indirect route: Lukashenko to Putin. Building a connection with Lukashenko, who can then speak with Putin is precisely what the United States aims for. President Lukashenko is very smart and recognizes the opportunity here. Belarus is struggling because of sanctions. It would be better if the sanctions were lifted. Perhaps this relationship could lead to a gradual lifting of sanctions. And finally, I think the United States is going to face an endless series of failures in Ukraine. There are people who are trying to create an unrealistic vision of the future of Ukraine. And Lukashenko has great respect for Ukraine. They are his neighbors. I think the better our relationship with Lukashenko, the more influence he will be able to have on what needs to be done in Ukraine, ultimately, what Ukraine should look like when this is all over. This is also an indirect approach. Right now, the narrative is: ‘If Ukraine accepts Russia’s terms, it’s a Russian victory and our defeat.’ Everything is seen in absolutes. But Lukashenko’s involvement could soften that perception, making the outcome seem far less negative,” the military analyst remarked.
He believes a third approach to conflict resolution is needed, one proposed neither by the US nor by Russia, and these ideas could be put forward in Belarus. “They would come from Minsk,” said Scott Ritter.
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