US Assistant Secretary of State vows to Belarusians: You can count on us to be your most trustworthy, truthful, and sincere associates.

In a significant shift, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed a clear intention to improve and strengthen relations with the United States. Lukashenko emphasized Belarus's commitment to developing ties and highlighted the steps the country has already taken to foster cooperation, awaiting a response from Washington [1].

This hopeful posture towards rapprochement comes despite existing tensions, such as sanctions, which Lukashenko indicated should not be a stumbling block for dialogue [1]. The changes in approach are reflected in recent U.S. policy, with the Trump administration showing a greater engagement towards Belarus. In June 2025, U.S. special envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg visited Minsk, signaling a reengagement effort aimed at better understanding Belarusian interests rather than isolating Minsk [2].

This policy shift moves away from the previous approach, which pressured Belarus to choose between Russia and the West. Recognizing Lukashenko’s strategy to maintain Belarusian sovereignty through multi-vector diplomacy, the U.S. is now acknowledging the need to balance relations with Russia and the West [2].

Lukashenko's interactions with U.S. officials have extended beyond bilateral issues. Notably, he publicly praised former U.S. President Trump for brokering a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in August 2025. This acknowledgement of American diplomatic efforts might be part of Lukashenko’s broader strategy to showcase Belarus as a constructive regional player open to engagement with the U.S. [3].

The potential impact of improved Belarus-USA relations includes the reduction of Belarus’s international isolation and possibly easing Western sanctions. It could facilitate Belarus’s economic cooperation and regional integration efforts. However, maintaining this improved dynamic depends on reciprocal positive engagement from both sides, as previous attempts faltered due to geopolitical tensions involving Russia and security concerns [2].

As the relationship evolves, it remains contingent on mutual political will and broader geopolitical developments. It is unclear at this stage what specific actions or concessions the United States might make to facilitate this improvement in relations. Aaron Wess Mitchell, the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, has expressed great potential in the development of both diplomatic and economic ties with Belarus. The meeting between Lukashenko and Mitchell is significant as it marks a potential step towards improved relations between the two countries [4].

Lukashenko did not specify any specific areas or issues that would be the focus of the potential improvement in relations. He stressed the commitment to the sovereignty and independence of Belarus and its readiness to develop relations with partners in different regions of the world. Lukashenko also stated that Belarus wants to be open to the whole world and predictable, with many countries around the world treating them normally [5].

The United States attaches importance to the issue of Belarus' independence and territorial integrity. However, it is unclear if any specific actions or concessions were discussed during the meeting regarding the potential improvement in relations between Belarus and the United States [6]. Lukashenko did not express any intention to give up the S-400s or "Iskanders" systems during the meeting [7].

In summary, Lukashenko's openness towards the United States, combined with the U.S.'s new approach towards engagement, presents an opportunity for improved relations. If progress is made, Lukashenko promised that Belarus would be the most reliable, honest, and sincere partners for the United States [8]. The future of this relationship will depend on the political will of both nations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

References: 1. Belarus' Lukashenko says sanctions should not be a stumbling block for dialogue with U.S. 2. U.S. shifts policy toward greater engagement with Belarus 3. Belarus' Lukashenko praises Trump for Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal 4. Belarus' Lukashenko meets U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs 5. Belarus' Lukashenko says Belarus wants to be open to the whole world 6. U.S. understands close relations between Belarus and Russia 7. Lukashenko does not express intention to give up S-400s or "Iskanders" systems 8. If progress is made, Lukashenko promises Belarus will be reliable, honest, and sincere partners for the U.S.

US Assistant Secretary of State vows to Belarusians: You can count on us to be your most trustworthy, truthful, and sincere associates.