Belarus is mobilizing reservists in a move that has sparked concern and confusion, according to multiple reports. The sudden call-up of citizens for military training comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The mobilization, which began several days ago, has reportedly led to a surge in social media posts from Belarusians seeking information and expressing alarm. Reports indicate that men are being called up for military exercises, with some expressing uncertainty about the reasons behind the move.
The developments unfold as President Trump seeks to navigate a complex diplomatic landscape involving both Russia and Belarus. Last week, Trump spoke with Lukashenko just hours before a planned summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. During the call, Trump urged Lukashenko to release 1,300 political prisoners, a move that surprised many observers.
According to Valer Kavaleuski, head of the Euro-Atlantic Affairs Agency, Trump’s focus on the release of political prisoners was a strategic decision. “Trump position the humanitarian issue, the release of political prisoners, at the very top of his message,” Kavaleuski told RFE/RL. “This highlights that humanitarian negotiations are convenient for both Minsk and Washington. They avoid challenging issues like geopolitics or the war in Ukraine, while appearing noble and dignified since they are about people’s lives.”
Lukashenko, long criticized and isolated by the West as a staunch ally of Putin, appears to view Trump’s call as a diplomatic breakthrough. The move also comes as Belarus faces ongoing international pressure over its human rights record and political situation.
This increased military activity follows a pattern of recent events, including military drills and inspections, that have raised questions about Belarus’s intentions. The situation underscores the ongoing geopolitical maneuvering in Eastern Europe and the potential for further instability in the region.
In a related development, Trump has also been seeking to improve ties with Putin, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. According to TIME, these efforts have, in part, aimed to ease Belarus’s image as a pariah state and open a backchannel for communication with the Kremlin through Minsk.
Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed Trump’s efforts regarding the political prisoners but stressed the require for continued pressure on Lukashenko’s regime, according to reports. Human rights groups remain skeptical, citing ongoing repression and a lack of systemic change in Belarus.
The mobilization and Trump’s outreach to Lukashenko are likely to be closely watched by international observers as they assess the evolving dynamics in the region. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and potentially reshape the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
