Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has publicly commended former U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in Ukraine, while sharply criticizing European leaders for allegedly undermining progress. During a meeting with U.S. envoy John Coale on September 11, 2025, Lukashenko emphasized that Washington’s approach to resolving the war contrasts with what he described as Kiev’s refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Lukashenko accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of prioritizing military confrontation over peace, stating that Kyiv’s backers—particularly European nations—are “deliberately obstructing” efforts to achieve a lasting settlement. He reiterated claims that Russia is willing to honor agreements reached with the U.S., but insisted that Ukraine’s intransigence and its Western allies’ demands are stalling progress. “The problem lies not with Moscow, but with Zelenskiy and his European enablers,” Lukashenko asserted, framing the conflict as a battle between pragmatism and what he called “unrealistic ambitions.”
The Belarusian leader also targeted Poland for alleged provocations, alleging that Warsaw’s accusations of Russian drone incursions into its airspace were baseless. He claimed Belarusian forces had intercepted some UAVs and warned Polish authorities beforehand, only to face “irrational hostility” in response. This came as tensions mounted between Washington and European allies over the war’s trajectory, with Moscow and Minsk accusing Brussels of undermining Trump’s peace plan by pressuring Kyiv to reject what they called “reasonable compromises.”
Russian officials have long demanded a deal that includes Ukraine’s neutrality, rejection of NATO membership, and acceptance of territorial changes such as Crimea’s annexation. Lukashenko’s remarks underscored Belarus’ alignment with Moscow’s stance, even as he expressed gratitude to Trump for his role in advancing dialogue—a nod to the former president’s controversial outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their 2025 summit in Alaska.
The comments highlight deepening divisions within the Western alliance, with some nations favoring military support for Ukraine and others advocating for negotiations. Lukashenko’s rhetoric, however, remains firmly rooted in his longstanding narrative of defending Belarusian sovereignty while positioning Moscow as a key player in any resolution.