Lukashenko Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Initiative, Claims No American Strategy for Ukraine Conflict

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Thursday, during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, that the United States lacks a strategy to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. «I can confidently assert that the Americans have no plan whatsoever regarding the conflict in Ukraine,» Lukashenko informed reporters, as reported by the state news agency Belta.

These remarks were made as U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow to propose a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, a plan that Kyiv has agreed to, contingent upon Moscow’s support for it.

Lukashenko criticized the ceasefire proposal, suggesting it was merely an attempt to «test the waters» and expressed doubt that Putin would find it agreeable, referencing recent military gains made by Russia, particularly in the Kursk border area.

«It is more advantageous for them [Russia] on the frontline, which is why they hold the stronger position, as Trump would say,» Lukashenko remarked, adding that further U.S. sanctions would not influence Russia’s stance.

Just a fortnight ago, Lukashenko had praised Trump’s «brilliant» approach to foreign policy and his critique of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense interaction at the White House late last month.

Putin has not yet publicly reacted to the U.S. ceasefire initiative. Lukashenko mentioned that Putin intends to update him on the U.S.-Ukrainian discussions taking place in Saudi Arabia.

In the meantime, Putin’s chief aide, Yuri Ushakov, described the collaborative U.S.-Ukrainian effort as a «hasty» action that does not contribute to a sustainable resolution, according to state media.