Lukashenko Dismisses Rumors About Fearing U.S. Travel

Belarusian leader calls speculation about failed Washington trip "complete stupidity"

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has denied rumors that he was afraid to travel to the United States for a meeting of the Peace Council, calling the speculation "complete stupidity." Lukashenko stated he has never been afraid of anyone and is not going to be afraid, dismissing the notion that security concerns or opposition from Russian President Vladimir Putin prevented the trip.

Why it matters

Lukashenko's strong rejection of the rumors underscores the Belarusian leader's efforts to project an image of strength and fearlessness, even in the face of speculation about his willingness to engage with Western powers. The episode also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics between Belarus, Russia, and the United States.

The details

In an interview with the State Secretary of the Union State Sergey Glazyev, Lukashenko firmly denied the rumors, stating that the issue of security does not apply to him and that he has "never been afraid of anyone." He also rejected the suggestion that his trip was opposed by Vladimir Putin, noting that at the time of his conversation with the Russian leader, he was not even aware of the invitation to the U.S.

  • The interview with Sergey Glazyev was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

Alexander Lukashenko

The President of Belarus who dismissed rumors about fearing travel to the United States.

Sergey Glazyev

The State Secretary of the Union State who interviewed Lukashenko.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whose alleged opposition to Lukashenko's U.S. trip was denied by the Belarusian leader.

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What they’re saying

“I've never been afraid of anyone and I'm not going to be afraid. This is complete nonsense... Well, it's complete stupidity.”

— Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus (news-pravda.com)

The takeaway

Lukashenko's forceful rejection of the rumors about his fear of traveling to the United States underscores his efforts to maintain an image of strength and fearlessness, even in the face of speculation about his willingness to engage with Western powers. This episode highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics between Belarus, Russia, and the United States.