By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada | April 19, 2026
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has indicated that he is willing to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, but only after a comprehensive agreement between the two countries—described as a “big deal”—has been fully prepared.
Speaking in an interview with Russian state media, Lukashenko emphasized that any potential meeting would depend on the successful groundwork of a deal that reflects the interests of both nations.
“We are ready for a deal, but it needs to be prepared in a way that reflects the interests of both the United States and Belarus,” he said.
The Belarusian leader suggested that negotiations must go beyond the issue of Western sanctions, noting that his country has already adapted to the economic restrictions imposed over the years.
“We have far more issues to resolve… that’s the subject of a big deal,” he added, without specifying the exact areas of negotiation.
The remarks come amid growing speculation about a possible visit by Lukashenko to the United States, which would mark a significant shift in relations between the two countries.
Such a meeting would represent a major diplomatic breakthrough for Lukashenko, who has long faced international isolation due to allegations of human rights abuses and his close alliance with Vladimir Putin, particularly in relation to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Despite supporting Russia’s military actions, Belarus has not directly deployed its own troops into the conflict, a position that has allowed Minsk to maintain some diplomatic flexibility.
Analysts say the potential deal between Washington and Minsk could signal a broader geopolitical shift, with the United States exploring new avenues of engagement in Eastern Europe.
In recent months, there have been signs of a gradual thaw in relations, including discussions around prisoner releases and partial easing of sanctions.
A meeting between Lukashenko and Trump, if it materializes, would be seen as a symbolic turning point, potentially ending years of strained ties and opening the door to renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.
However, experts caution that significant challenges remain, particularly given Belarus’s deep ties with Russia and ongoing concerns from Western governments over governance and human rights issues.
For now, both sides appear to be in the early stages of negotiations, with the prospect of a high-level meeting hinging on whether a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached.
