Trump defrosts relations with Europe’s last dictator Alexander Lukashenko

War in UkraineTrump defrosts relations with Europe’s last dictator Alexander LukashenkoBelarus’ president has been accused of flagrant human rights violations and enabling Russia’s war in Ukraine. That hasn’t served as a barrier to his friendship with Donald Trump.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleRussian Drone Hits Romanian Apartment Block, Drawing Outrage00:39Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 30, 2026, 5:57 AM EDTBy Yuliya TalmazanThe man known as Europe’s last dictator may soon be coming in from the cold, as President Donald Trump helps him emerge from years of isolation.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Trump thanked Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko for his “cooperation and friendship” in a post on Truth Social earlier this month after a deal to release some political prisoners held by his regime, adding: “So nice!”The U.S. president has also steadily eased sanctions on Belarus’ state institutions and companies, intended to punish Vladimir Putin’s closest geopolitical ally for allowing Russia to use Belarus as a staging ground for his invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Lukashenko, for his part, has expressed hopes of sealing a “big deal” with the U.S., and could attend a meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace later this year.For many living under his regime in Belarus, Lukashenko, 71, is anything but “nice.” In power since 1994, he has been accused of flagrant human rights violations against his critics, wiping out opposition and independent media.Lukashenko attends an ice hockey match at Galaktika center in Sochi, Russia, in 2020.Mikhail Svetlov / Getty Images fileThe leader, who like Trump is known for his frank style of communication, often refers to himself as “Batka” — or “Father” in Belarusian. He plays ice hockey and has a keen interest in tractors, stemming from his agrarian past.Lukashenko ruthlessly cracked down on protests in the afterm...