Washington – A Belarusian delegation was reportedly denied visas to attend the inaugural meeting of former US President Donald Trump’s “Peace Council,” prompting a sharp response from Minsk and a terse reaction from Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. The incident underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as Belarus seeks to navigate international isolation and engage with the new forum, while also maintaining close ties with Russia.
Belarus officially joined the “Peace Council” on January 20th, with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signing the agreement. The move, viewed by some as an attempt to lessen Western sanctions and forge new diplomatic avenues, has drawn criticism from opposition groups and raised concerns about the council’s potential impact on regional stability. The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that visas were not issued to the delegation despite timely submission of all required documentation, questioning the sincerity of the initiative if “even basic formalities are not respected.”
According to the Belarusian Ministry, the delegation was to be led by Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankov, personally authorized by Lukashenko to represent the country at the meeting. “The invitation from the President of the United States was addressed to the head of state of Belarus. If even basic formalities are not respected, what ‘peace’ are we actually talking about?” the ministry stated in a post on social media. The incident has fueled debate over the purpose and legitimacy of Trump’s “Peace Council,” and whether it represents a genuine effort at diplomacy or a platform for bolstering authoritarian regimes.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski responded to the Belarusian Ministry’s statement with a single word on X (formerly Twitter): “Jejda,” a Polish interjection expressing mild surprise or dismay. This reaction highlights the deep skepticism within Poland, a strong supporter of Ukraine, regarding Belarus’s role in the ongoing conflict and its alignment with Russia.
Trump’s ‘Peace Council’ Draws International Scrutiny
The “Peace Council,” launched by Donald Trump, aims to bring together leaders and diplomats from around the world to discuss solutions to global conflicts. The inaugural meeting, held recently in Washington D.C., included representatives from approximately 50 countries, including Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka and Romanian President Nicușor Dan, attending in observer roles. Also present were Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár.
The Belarusian government’s attempt to participate comes amidst ongoing international condemnation of its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory as a staging ground for attacks, a move widely criticized by Western nations. This context casts a shadow over Minsk’s stated desire for peaceful engagement and raises questions about the motivations behind its joining the “Peace Council.”
European Reactions and Concerns
The denial of visas to the Belarusian delegation has sparked a wider discussion about the composition and goals of Trump’s initiative. France and Belgium have reportedly expressed surprise at the participation of a European Commissioner in the council’s meeting, questioning whether the commissioner had the necessary mandate. Poland, meanwhile, has explicitly rejected membership in the “Peace Council,” signaling its disapproval of the forum’s inclusivity and potential impact on European security.
The situation also highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. Belarus’s efforts to diversify its diplomatic relationships, even through controversial channels like the “Peace Council,” reflect a desire to reduce its dependence on Russia and mitigate the effects of Western sanctions. However, its continued support for Russia’s war in Ukraine remains a significant obstacle to improved relations with the West.
The US State Department has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the visa denials, but the incident is likely to further complicate the already strained relationship between Washington and Minsk. The future of Belarus’s participation in the “Peace Council” remains uncertain, and the incident raises questions about the council’s ability to foster genuine dialogue and contribute to peaceful resolutions in a deeply divided world.
As the “Peace Council” moves forward, its credibility and effectiveness will depend on its ability to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive diplomacy. The denial of visas to the Belarusian delegation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing any attempt to bridge divides and promote peace in a region marked by conflict and mistrust.
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