The Belarusian authorities are not directly involved in the dialogue between Moscow and Washington. This was stated by Natalya Eismant, press secretary to Alyaksandr Lukashenka, as reported by the Russian outlet Vedomosti.
“During Belarusian-American negotiations, the Americans naturally raise questions concerning Russia and the events in Ukraine in general. But regarding the direct involvement of [Belarus] in the dialogue [between Russia and the United States] — our president’s position is clear: there is no such involvement and there should not be,” she said.
According to her, “Russia and the United States have direct contacts, and they can discuss all issues directly.”
Earlier, on 30 September, speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, Keith Kellogg noted that the United States had become interested in Alyaksandr Lukashenka because they know he communicates frequently with Vladimir Putin.
“We’re not sure what he tells him, but we know he talks to him,” Kellogg said.
“But what we did was establish relations to ensure communication channels remain open and to convey our messages to President Putin. That is why we did it; initially we had no intention of releasing political prisoners,” he added.