Trump's unexpected move: U.S. may ease Belarus sanctions

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 meeting of its kind in five years. The talks were intended to address the potential easing of sanctions.

According to ISW, any relaxation of sanctions against Belarus would have a positive effect on the Russian economy because Moscow has integrated the economies of both countries for decades within the Union State framework.

Russia uses Belarus to circumvent sanctions, and both economies are so integrated that Russian military efforts would directly benefit from the easing of American restrictions against Belarus, we read.

Smith announced on Thursday in Vilnius during a meeting with Western diplomats that Belarus is prepared to release many political prisoners. In return, 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 one 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 point out that easing sanctions could weaken Russia's influence in the region. Vladimir Putin and many Russian officials may 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.