Will we see Putin and Lukashenko with $1 billion suitcases at Trump?
The press secretaries of Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko indicate that neither leader will be attending an upcoming meeting in the United States due to scheduling conflicts and existing sanctions.
Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for Vladimir Putin, stated that there are no plans for the President to go to the United States in the near future. This was echoed by Natalia Eismont, the spokesperson for Alexander Lukashenko, who emphasized that the invitation for the upcoming leaders' meeting arrived too late and that the schedule for the leader is already planned for this period. Eismont also pointed out potential logistical challenges due to sanctions imposed on Lukashenko. Instead of the authoritarian leader of Belarus, foreign minister Maxim Ryzhankov will represent the country at the organization's first meeting.
In addition, Donald Trump has decided to establish his own Peace Council, which will manage the Gaza Strip following the cessation of hostilities. This newly created entity will have broader powers as described in its charter and is characterized as an 'international organization' focused on promoting 'lasting peace' in conflict-affected regions. Sources from the Financial Times noted that Trump's administration is taking steps towards creating this council with significant implications for the region's future.
This situation underscores the ongoing complexities of international diplomacy involving the U.S., Russia, and Belarus. The absence of both Putin and Lukashenko from this significant meeting reflects the strained relations and existing geopolitical tensions, especially considering the sanctions against Lukashenko. Moreover, Trump's initiative to create a Peace Council could reshape international engagement in the Gaza Strip and alter existing power dynamics in the region, raising questions about its effectiveness and acceptance among key stakeholders.