Trump's advisors meet with Belarus leader Lukashenko in Minsk

Advisors to President Donald Trump traveled to Minsk and met with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The meeting, which Lukashenko described as preparing for a 'big deal' with the United States, took place at the presidential palace. Lukashenko stated the U.S. delegation, which he said consisted of 'Trump's people,' discussed a range of issues, though he claimed the U.S. does not aim to separate Belarus from Russia.

Lukashenko publicly commented on the discussions, saying he told the U.S. delegation about a 'war against Belarus's friends' and that there were 'a bunch of questions' on the agenda. He also claimed to see a 'painful reaction' in the U.S. to the European Union's position on certain matters. Separately, Trump expressed a desire to invite Lukashenko for a visit and criticized Ukraine, saying it had been 'inactive.'

The talks are framed by Lukashenko as preparatory work for future engagement. He stated the U.S. side did not come with a specific proposal but to 'reconnoiter the situation.' The Belarusian state news agency Belta was a primary source for reports on the meetings.