Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed his support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s victory in the 2020 election, stating that he believes Trump should be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize if he successfully ends the war in Ukraine. Lukashenko emphasized that achieving peace in Ukraine will require the involvement of multiple countries beyond just Russia and Ukraine. Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, has allowed Russian troops to be stationed within its borders, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Lukashenko made these comments at a woodchopping event, referring to Trump as a “powerhouse” who managed to secure a second term in the White House despite facing various challenges during his first term. Lukashenko also commented on the defeat of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, suggesting that America was not yet ready to elect a female president. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, won re-election in 2020 in a vote that was criticized by the West as fraudulent.
In the 2020 election, three female opposition leaders, including Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Maria Kolesnikova, challenged Lukashenko’s rule. Tikhanovskaya was forced into exile and later sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Kolesnikova received an 11-year prison sentence after refusing to flee the country. The post-election crackdown on dissent in Belarus has led to increased international criticism of Lukashenko’s regime. Despite facing challenges from the opposition and international condemnation, Lukashenko has maintained his grip on power in Belarus for nearly three decades.
The support shown by Lukashenko towards Trump’s victory and his potential Nobel Peace Prize nomination for ending the conflict in Ukraine reflects Lukashenko’s close relationship with Moscow and his alignment with Russian interests. Belarus has played a strategic role in allowing Russian troops to be stationed on its territory and supporting Russian actions in Eastern Europe. As Lukashenko continues to navigate domestic and international challenges, his comments on global events and leaders shed light on his political alliances and priorities in maintaining power in Belarus.
The comments made by Lukashenko regarding U.S. politics and global affairs come at a time when Belarus is facing increased scrutiny and pressure from the international community. The crackdown on dissent, the contested election in 2020, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have placed Belarus in a complex geopolitical position. Lukashenko’s statements on Trump’s victory and the potential for a peace prize nomination highlight the interconnected nature of global politics and the role that smaller countries like Belarus can play in shaping international relations. As Lukashenko continues to navigate these challenges, his alliance with Russia and his interactions with other world leaders will be closely scrutinized by the international community.
