Lukashenko Proposes Historic Summit in Minsk: Invites Putin, Zelensky, and Trump for Ukraine Peace Talks

 Lukashenko Proposes Historic Summit in Minsk: Invites Putin, Zelensky, and Trump for Ukraine Peace Talks

MINSK, BELARUS – In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and former U.S. President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Minsk aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This unexpected proposal underscores Lukashenko’s push to position Belarus as a neutral ground for direct talks between key global leaders. With the war raging for over two years and diplomatic efforts stalling, the Belarusian leader believes a face-to-face meeting could offer a breakthrough.

Lukashenko, a longtime ally of Moscow yet keen to play the role of a facilitator, stressed the importance of dialogue, urging Zelensky to engage in direct negotiations.

“There is no need to browbeat Zelensky, no matter what you think of him. It is important to come to terms with him because a large part of Ukrainian society supports him,” Lukashenko stated.

He emphasized the accessibility of Belarus for such discussions, highlighting the short distance from Kyiv to Minsk.

“If you want, come over! It is just 200 kilometers from the Belarusian border to Kyiv. Getting here takes half an hour by plane. We will sit here and reach an agreement in a calm atmosphere, hassle-free,” he added.

What makes this invitation even more intriguing is Lukashenko’s inclusion of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Belarusian leader openly praised Trump’s vocal stance on seeking a resolution to the conflict, particularly as Trump has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of U.S. involvement in Ukraine.

“Trump is a good guy. He talks about it a lot and has already done something to end the war in Ukraine and the war in the Middle East,” Lukashenko remarked.

Trump’s potential involvement in peace talks could drastically shift the diplomatic landscape, particularly as he remains a frontrunner in the 2024 U.S. presidential race.

Lukashenko’s offer comes as global powers struggle to mediate an end to the war. Previous negotiations, including the Istanbul talks in 2022, collapsed, leaving a diplomatic vacuum. Belarus, which played host to the early-stage Russia-Ukraine talks, is now pushing for a renewed effort.

While skepticism remains about Minsk's neutrality, Lukashenko insists Belarus is merely providing a venue rather than actively mediating the process.

His proposal aligns with growing international calls for a ceasefire, especially as the conflict continues to impact global markets, security, and geopolitics.

As of now, neither Russia nor Ukraine has formally responded to the offer. Putin has maintained a firm stance on Russia’s territorial claims, while Zelensky remains cautious of any negotiations that do not include full withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories.

Whether the summit will materialize remains uncertain, but the invitation has added a new dimension to ongoing peace efforts. If accepted, the meeting in Minsk could mark a turning point in the conflict, bringing key players together for the first time in a neutral setting.

Lukashenko’s unexpected proposal has sparked discussions across diplomatic circles. European leaders, NATO allies, and U.S. officials are closely monitoring developments, while political analysts debate whether Minsk could serve as a viable platform for resolving the conflict.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the responses from Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington. A direct dialogue involving Putin, Zelensky, and Trump could redefine the course of the war—or expose further divisions in the pursuit of peace.

Stay updated on this developing story.