“Lukashenko’s Big Deal”: A Political Fantasy or Dangerous Illusion?

Alexander Lukashenko is once again stepping into the global spotlight — this time offering a so-called "big deal" to Donald Trump.
His offer? A balanced trade: American demands on one side of the scale, Belarusian interests on the other. Fair play — at least on paper.

But the West doesn't trade on fairness. It dictates terms.

Lukashenko has tried this before: he released opposition figures hoping for a handshake from Brussels. The result? No flights, no deals, no rewards.
Now, he's trying his luck with Trump — a political negotiator who's been known to sell the table while discussing the menu.

The Belarusian leader wants to project sovereignty.
But when Russian forces are present on your territory, and China is your financial lifeline — calling the shots becomes a luxury you can't afford.

Commentators like Vladimir Zharikhin say it plainly: Trump will always outweigh Lukashenko in political power.
And Belarus' role on the world stage remains that of a pawn trying to speak like a queen.

Lukashenko's rhetoric about peace in Ukraine and blaming only Zelensky is another calculated move.
But removing Europe from the blame game? That's not diplomacy — that's a PR maneuver.

🟦 Conclusion:

This isn't a real negotiation — it's theatre.
Lukashenko is performing strength, but the audience is watching something else:
a leader still trying to play both sides — and slipping between them.