On the eve of negotiations with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. leader Donald Trump spoke by phone with Alexander Lukashenko. As reported by the Belarusian leader's press service and later confirmed by Trump himself, during the conversation, the U.S. president expressed gratitude for the release of 16 imprisoned individuals and raised the possibility of pardoning another 1,300 convicts. No specific names were mentioned.
The discussion also touched on topics of bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and the situation in conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine. Special attention was given to the upcoming Russian-American summit in Alaska. Trump described the talks as "extremely productive."
According to Lukashenko's administration, the Belarusian leader invited Trump and his family to visit Minsk, to which he agreed. The U.S. president, in turn, noted that he eagerly anticipates a future meeting with Lukashenko.