June 16, Pozirk. Minsk is in close contact, behind the scenes for now, with officials in large European countries, Alaksandar Łukašenka said in an interview with Al Arabiya English on June 12.
Belarusian state television channels broadcast the interview three days later.
According to the Belarusian ruler, his first contacts with the West took place more than two years ago and concerned representatives of the United Kingdom. “We discussed many problems, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,” Łukašenka said. “I expressed my view. Later I met with the new heads of the respective agencies of the United Kingdom.”
He claimed that Belarusian authorities are “in touch with Europeans, even with some neighbors, Lithuania and Poland for example,” and that there is “momentum for cooperation” with the EU and other Western powers.
“Americans are not the only ones we are in talks with,” Łukašenka said. “And not only to make Americans […] put pressure on Europeans. That wouldn’t be bad and I’m not rejecting it. But we’re in a dialogue with Europeans as well.”
Earlier, Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister Ihar Siakreta played up the “non-public dialogue” with the West, claiming that it has been “very intensive” over the last year. “We meet with our colleagues, directors of political departments, deputy ministers in capitals and within international organizations, without making it public,” he said on May 26.
The Belarusian foreign ministry reported a February 5–6 visit to Minsk by Brice Roquefeuil, of the French foreign ministry, a week after it took place.
On May 24, French President Emmanuel Macron and Łukašenka held a telephone conversation. AFP, citing an anonymous source close to the president, said Macron warned his interlocutor “against taking part in Moscow’s war against Ukraine.” The Élysée Palace did not officially comment on the call.
On June 3, it became known that Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s Directorate‑General for External Security, had visited Belarus. The visit had not been announced publicly, but a diplomatic source confirmed to Pozirk that it had taken place.
The Belarusian education ministry’s press office reported on May 26 that Deputy Education Minister Kaciaryna Piatruckaja had met in Minsk with Samuela Isopi, deputy director general of the Italian foreign ministry responsible for migration policy and Italian education abroad. The meeting was held “at the initiative of the Italian side.”
Belarusian opposition forces have repeatedly warned the West against re-engaging with Minsk without securing an end to politically motivated persecution in Belarus.
