By Hammad Kahlun
International News Correspondent
Scandinavian News Finland
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced his willingness to strike a “big deal” with former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling his intent to negotiate on political and diplomatic terms.
“On one side of the scale are their questions, requests, and demands on the other side are ours. Shall we decide? Let’s decide. We are ready,” Lukashenko declared, suggesting that Minsk is open to bargaining with Washington.
According to reports, Lukashenko may be using the fate of political prisoners as leverage in potential negotiations. Earlier in September, his regime released 52 political prisoners following a visit to Minsk by U.S. presidential envoy John Cole. In return, the United States lifted sanctions on the state-owned airline Belavia.
However, international observers say the repression inside Belarus continues. After the initial release, authorities detained dozens of new dissidents, apparently to use them as bargaining chips in future talks with the West.
As of October 14, human rights groups report that 1,220 individuals remain officially recognized as political prisoners in Belarus a number that continues to grow despite periodic gestures of leniency.
Analysts believe Lukashenko’s latest remarks are part of a calculated move to improve relations with the U.S. while maintaining tight control over domestic opposition.
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