Trump-Putin Meet in Alaska: Trump's Unexpected Call with Putin Ally Ahead of Alaska Summit

Ahead of his anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump revealed on Truth Social that he had a phone call with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin.

Trump stated that the purpose of the call was to thank Lukashenko for a prisoner release. "I had a wonderful talk with the highly respected President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko," Trump wrote. He added that they "discussed many topics, including President Putin’s visit to Alaska," and concluded by saying, "I look forward to meeting President Lukashenko in the future."

Lukashenko has been a key supporter of Putin, especially throughout the war in Ukraine. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine was partially launched from Belarusian territory in 2022, and Putin has since stationed tactical nuclear weapons in the country.