Lukashenko Complained That There Were No "counter-movements" From The U.S. For Tikhanovsky's Release

• 31.07.2025, 19:25

The dictator also publicly named the official in charge of negotiations with the US.

Speaking at a meeting with heads of Belarusian diplomatic missions, Alexander Lukashenko complained that there were no "counter-movements" from the United States for the release of Sergei Tikhanovsky and other political prisoners. He also said publicly for the first time which officials were responsible for negotiations with the Americans.

Lukashenko said that during the meeting with U.S. Presidential Special Envoy Keith Kellogg he discussed what the Americans were willing to offer in return for the release of political prisoners, including Sergei Tikhanovsky.

- There should be counter-movements," he complained and added, addressing the diplomats: "I think Valentin Borisovich Rybakov, who conducts all these negotiations and contacts with the Americans on my behalf, will tell you somewhere in a behind-the-scenes conversation - Valentin, you will tell me (Valentin Rybakov stood up and nodded in agreement. - Note).

He also said that he allegedly offered the Americans to release "several thousand" prisoners, but they allegedly refused.

The person in charge of negotiations with the US, Valentin Rybakov, is Belarus' permanent representative to the UN and a former aide to Lukashenka. He is also the husband of Deputy Prime Minister Natalia Petkevich.