Trump's unexpected diplomacy: Belarus sanctions under scrutiny

The American delegation, which included Christopher W. Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eastern European Affairs, visited Belarus and met with Alexander Lukashenko. This was the first such meeting in five years. The talks aimed to address the potential easing of sanctions.

According to ISW, any relaxation of sanctions against Belarus could positively impact the Russian economy, as Moscow has integrated the economies of both countries for decades under the Union State framework.

Russia uses Belarus to circumvent sanctions, and their economies are so interconnected that any easing of American restrictions on Belarus would directly benefit Russian military efforts, as reported.

Smith announced on Thursday in Vilnius during a meeting with Western diplomats that Belarus is prepared to release many political prisoners. In exchange, Lukashenko expects the easing of sanctions imposed on Belarusian banks and on the export of potash, an important fertilizer component of which Belarus is a major producer.

The "New York Times" noted that the meeting with Lukashenko occurred just a day after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Belarus, typically isolated by the West, remains silent about the visit. Experts note that easing sanctions might weaken Russia's influence in the region. Vladimir Putin and many Russian officials could be concerned about this rapprochement.

The meeting between the Americans and Lukashenko took place in Minsk. After the talks, three Belarusian political prisoners were released: journalist Andrej Kuzniechyk, activist Alena Maushuk, and an American citizen whose name was not disclosed. All those released were handed over to the American side at the border with Lithuania.