Belarus opposition leader warns US of ‘risky’ deal with Lukashenko

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has cautioned the United States of the "risky" implications of a potential deal with President Alexander Lukashenko. This comes as US President Donald Trump expresses interest in major fertilizer purchases from Belarus, which is Russia's ally.

Tikhanovskaya, speaking to AFP from New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasized that any agreement with the Lukashenko regime is problematic because the country's potash revenues are funneled into repression and supporting Russia's war efforts. She stressed that the Americans are aware of Lukashenko and Trump's intentions.

However, Tikhanovskaya also highlighted that she believes Americans understand the regime's nature and that Trump is acting strategically. Her remarks follow Trump's claim on his social media platform that the US is working on a significant deal involving the purchase of potash from Belarus, noting that it would be cheaper than sourcing from Canada.

While acknowledging US envoy John Coale's efforts to free political prisoners, Tikhanovskaya stressed that such humanitarian actions should not escalate into a political process. She expressed concern that even as hundreds have been released, more than 900 political prisoners remain detained.

Tikhanovskaya urged the US to maintain its sanctions against Belarus, particularly European ones, to keep pressure on the Lukashenko regime. She also urged Washington to continue supporting Belarusian people and to oppose any involvement of Belarus in Ukraine's conflict with Russia.