Belarus Opposition Leader Urges Trump: Don’t Fall for Lukashenko’s Tricks
URGENT UPDATE: Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has just warned President Donald Trump against falling for manipulative tactics from Belarus’ long-standing dictator, Alexander Lukashenko. Speaking to the Associated Press on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Tsikhanouskaya cautioned that Lukashenko’s recent gestures—including the release of some political prisoners—are mere ploys to gain favor while maintaining his iron grip on power.
This warning comes after Trump recently eased U.S. sanctions against Belarus in exchange for the release of political prisoners, a move that has raised eyebrows amid ongoing human rights abuses. The Belarusian regime continues to hold approximately 1,200 political prisoners, including notable figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Tsikhanouskaya, who fled Belarus after a brutal crackdown on protests following the controversial 2020 election, stated, “It looks like President Trump believed in Ukraine, believed that they can win this war and hopefully it will become actions, not words.”
During their meeting, Trump expressed optimism about his relationship with Lukashenko, describing their talks as “wonderful” and looking forward to future discussions. However, Tsikhanouskaya implored the U.S. not to be misled by Lukashenko’s limited concessions, saying, “You know, he wants to buy a Lamborghini for 2,000 Euros, taking a lot and not giving anything.”
In the latest prisoner release, a total of 51 individuals were freed, bringing the overall number of released prisoners to over 300 in the past year. Despite these releases, Tsikhanouskaya underscored that the situation remains dire, as Lukashenko’s regime continues to suppress dissent with brutal force. “Thank you, Mr. Trump, for winning prisoner releases, but we must remain vigilant,” she cautioned.
The pressure on Lukashenko has intensified amid ongoing international scrutiny and condemnation of his government’s actions. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the recent prisoner releases as a “constructive step” but emphasized that more actions are needed to improve relations. “We hope to see continued progress,” officials stated, reinforcing a commitment to exploring opportunities for engagement with Belarus.
As tensions between the West and Belarus continue to escalate, all eyes are on the next moves from both Lukashenko and Trump. Will the U.S. maintain its current course, or will new developments shift the diplomatic landscape? Tsikhanouskaya’s urgent plea serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political maneuvering.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds. The implications of these diplomatic relations extend far beyond Belarus, impacting global politics and the lives of those still imprisoned under Lukashenko’s regime.
