Lukashenko proposes U.S. join Belarus-Russia fertilizer plant project
On Friday, Minsk hosted a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. Belarusian President made several significant statements. Turkish Anadolu Agency reported that prime ministers of EAEU countries discussed transport infrastructure development along the East-West and North-South corridors and within China's Belt and Road Initiative. APA of Azerbaijan quoted Lukashenko saying Belarus would never betray Russia and would not allow Russians to be betrayed despite aspects of the Ukraine conflict. Poland's Defence24 noted Lukashenko's support for deeper integration among former USSR countries, emphasizing consistent policy. Public Radio of Armenia and Azerbaijani 1News reported Lukashenko urging Armenia not to rush to leave the EAEU common market, using the idiom 'not put the cart before the horse'. Last week focused on Belarusian potash, this week on plans for a nitrogen fertilizer plant. Reuters reported Lukashenko stating he agreed with the Russian president on Gazprom’s involvement and proposed including the United States. The Kyiv Independent noted this as part of Belarus’s gradual outreach to Washington despite being a close Kremlin ally. Estonia's Eesti Eest called the proposal a 'genius move' that could trigger de-escalation and shift EU policy, possibly led by Poland's surprising 'snowdrop diplomacy'. Italy's Focus Europe said warming Belarus-U.S. ties test European unity, with EU sanctions expiring in February 2027 possibly being a turning point. Lithuania's Alfa said Vilnius remains an observer, with Prime Minister Šiņkevičius calling it a 'great power game', noting Lithuania would have to align its sanctions stance if the U.S. pushed for Belarusian fertilizer transit through its territory. Slovenian IFIMES think tank emphasized Belarus’s strategic geographic importance for European security architecture, suggesting Minsk could become a hub for dialogue and stability, shifting from confrontation to cooperation through economic links and predictability.