Neither Lukashenko nor Kellogg can influence Ukraine talks – journalist Portnikov

Journalist Vitaly Portnikov shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"I think there’s once again a completely childish idea that Lukashenko can somehow influence Putin and open a real path to negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. I don’t believe Lukashenko has any such leverage," he said.

According to Portnikov, Lukashenko is steadily following Putin’s example, including the release of prisoners.

"What is Putin doing during negotiations with Ukraine? Releasing prisoners. What was Lukashenko doing in his talks with Kellogg? Releasing prisoners too. People like Sergei Tikhanovsky and other Belarusian opposition figures are regime hostages. It’s worth remembering Tikhanovsky was detained before the 2019 presidential election to block any alternative candidates. That’s why his wife, Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya, ended up running. Lukashenko eliminated the rest and jailed them," Portnikov explained.

He stressed that Lukashenko fully understands he has no sway over Putin.

"But he still wants U.S. officials, especially senior ones, to visit him, to look like the leader of a sovereign state. Kellogg is technically a high-level envoy. Lukashenko can make these humanitarian moves. But the question is how can he influence negotiations? He can’t. Another question: can Kellogg influence the process? Also no," the journalist said.

Portnikov commented on Kellogg’s role.

"Here’s someone who had nothing to do with U.S.-Russia talks, even though he was appointed to work on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Then he’s named a representative for Ukraine, but not invited to meetings with the Ukrainian side. What kind of ‘representative for Ukraine’ is that?" he asked.

The journalist added that Kellogg’s role seems limited to public appearances, which don’t affect Trump.

"If Trump can ignore the head of intelligence, if he doesn’t invite the Defense Secretary or intel chief to key Iran meetings, then what’s Kellogg for? What does Kellogg do? Just act busy. We know visits like this won’t lead to anything. But I do believe the release of Belarusian opposition figures is a good outcome, just like the prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine. This week, many of our citizens and wounded soldiers were released. We warmly welcome them home and congratulate their families," he concluded.