Lukashenko and Trump: Why their «flirtation» benefits Putin — Belarusian oppositionist explains

The Belarusian regime seeks to use contacts with the U.S. to soften sanctions, but all actions of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko are coordinated with the Kremlin.

This was stated by Franak Viačorka, adviser to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, in a comment to 24 Kanal.

According to him, Lukashenko is trying to build a dialogue with Donald Trump in order to achieve the lifting of restrictions against Minsk. However, this policy also benefits Vladimir Putin, since if sanctions are lifted, Belarus could become an additional channel for Russia to purchase sanctioned goods.

«This game of Lukashenko with Trump is fully coordinated with Putin. It does not pose any threats to the Kremlin — on the contrary, it opens new opportunities, ” Viačorka stressed.

He also reminded that about 80% of Belarus’s economy directly depends on Russia, so Minsk’s actions cannot be considered independent.

Sanctions against Belavia partially eased: what the benefit is for Russia

Separately, Viačorka commented on the recent U.S. decision regarding the Belarusian airline Belavia. Restrictions on purchasing aircraft components from Boeing were removed from the American sanctions list.

Previously, Belarusian and Russian airlines obtained these spare parts through intermediaries, which made the process more expensive. Now Belavia can purchase them directly, reducing maintenance costs.

Thus, Lukashenko’s attempts to demonstrate independence in negotiations with the U.S. are in fact part of a broader strategy coordinated with Moscow.