Overview

• On August 15, President Trump said he thanked Lukashenko for releasing 16 prisoners and announced talks on freeing about 1,300 more
• Trump described the call as “very good” and said they discussed President Putin’s upcoming visit to Alaska in advance of their own summit
• The characterization of Lukashenko as “highly respected” drew swift rebuke given his disputed 2020 election and a UN finding of crimes against humanity
• Belarus has served as a strategic base for Russian forces and missile launches against Ukraine, heightening NATO neighbor concerns
• Belarusian media reported an invitation for Trump to visit Minsk and his acceptance but those claims remain unverified