Lukashenko Claims Putin Plans US-Backed Ukraine Peace Proposal

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated after a lengthy meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Putin would soon announce a "very good proposal" to end the war in Ukraine, which he claimed had been presented to and was under consideration by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lukashenko urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept this proposal, warning that refusal would lead to Ukraine losing its territory or even the entire country, describing the situation as potentially worse than the start of Russia's invasion. While Lukashenko refrained from revealing specific details, he emphasized the need for dialogue among the leaders of the three Slavic states and expressed a desire to speak directly with Zelenskyy about peace. Despite Lukashenko's assertions, Ukraine and its allies have rejected Russia's conditions as tantamount to surrender, including territorial concessions and restrictions on Ukraine's military and NATO ambitions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has accused Putin of feigning interest in peace, and the Kremlin dismissed Trump's recent statements supporting Ukraine's ability to regain lost territory as influenced by Zelenskyy. The proposal's exact nature remains unclear, but the ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts continue to be marked by deep mistrust between the parties involved.