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The Belarusian Defence Minister allegedly said, that the visitors would be shown “anything” they want to see.
The Belarusian Defence Minister allegedly said, that the visitors would be shown “anything” they want to see.
What is happening?
In an unexpected move, U.S. military officers were spotted observing joint military drills conducted by Russia and Belarus, Reuters reports.
The exercise, known as “Zapad-2025”, comes at a time of escalating tensions between Moscow and NATO, particularly after Poland shot down Russian drones that crossed into its airspace.
“Whatever you want to see”
Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin made an unusual gesture of openness, telling the U.S. visitors, “We will show whatever is of interest for you. Whatever you want.”
He invited the Americans to explore the training sites freely and speak with personnel, although the officers declined to speak to media.
A surprise presence among NATO allies
Belarus’s defence ministry appeared to revel in the surprise.
“Who would have thought how the morning of another day of the Zapad-2025 exercise would begin?” it said, referencing the U.S. presence among representatives from 23 countries — including NATO members Turkey and Hungary.
Video footage highlights U.S.-Belarus exchange
The ministry released footage showing two U.S. officers in uniform shaking hands with Khrenin and expressing thanks for the invitation.
The optics suggested an unusually cordial moment between two sides that have often been adversaries in recent years.
Signs of a U.S.-Belarus Thaw?
The appearance of American officers at the drills marks the latest in a series of warming signals between Washington and Minsk — an intriguing development given Belarus’s staunch alignment with Moscow, especially since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Trump envoy visits Minsk for talks
Adding to the intrigue, John Coale, a representative of President Donald Trump, visited Minsk last week for discussions with President Alexander Lukashenko.
The talks appear to have laid the groundwork for further diplomatic engagement.
Belarus agrees to release political prisoners
Following Coale’s visit, Lukashenko agreed to release 52 prisoners, including journalists and political opponents.
The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill toward the U.S. and an early step toward restoring fractured ties.
U.S. offers sanctions relief to national airline
In response, Washington granted sanctions relief to Belavia, Belarus’s national airline.
The airline, which operates Boeing aircraft, can now service its fleet and purchase parts — a notable concession in the broader sanctions regime.
Trump eyes reopening U.S. embassy in Belarus
According to Coale, Trump hopes to reopen the U.S. embassy in Minsk soon and resume formal diplomatic relations.
The goal is to normalize ties and revive the economic and trade relationship between the two nations.
A friendly handwritten letter to Lukashenko
As part of this diplomatic charm offensive, Trump sent a personal, hand-signed letter to Lukashenko via Coale last week.
The message underscores Trump’s ongoing effort to position himself as a potential broker in the war in Ukraine — and as a leader who can reset U.S.-Belarus ties.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
