Belarus's absence from the inaugural meeting of the 'Peace Council', hosted by President Donald Trump in Washington, has raised concerns regarding the inclusion of all parties essential to achieving peace. The Belarusian government announced that it had informed Washington of Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov's planned attendance, but the necessary visas were not processed in time, preventing Belarus from participating as a founding member. This incident reflects broader tensions and questions about the relationship between Belarus and the U.S., particularly regarding diplomatic recognition and engagement.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry criticized the situation, questioning the sincerity of discussions about peace and unity when basic formalities for participation are not fulfilled by the organizers. This incident not only highlights the logistical challenges posed by international diplomacy but also underscores the strained ties between Belarus and the U.S., particularly in light of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's controversial leadership style and the country's domestic policies.

The 'Peace Council' was initially established to aid in the reconstruction of Gaza but later expanded its mandate to encompass wider aspects of peace-building. The absence of Belarus, a nation that was invited to join, raises important questions about the effectiveness of such councils and whether all relevant stakeholders can genuinely be engaged in meaningful dialogue when bureaucratic barriers still exist. This development may further complicate future diplomatic efforts and signifies the ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding Belarus's position on the global stage.