Macron Holds First Phone Call With Belarus Leader Lukashenko Since Ukraine Invasion

French President Emmanuel Macron conducted his first telephone conversation with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The call, initiated by France, focused on regional security issues and Belarus's role in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The leaders also discussed relations between Belarus and the European Union. Belarus, a former Soviet republic and key Russian ally, allowed Moscow to use its territory as a staging ground for the initial phase of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The phone call represents a significant diplomatic engagement given the deteriorated relations between Western nations and Belarus following its support for Russian military operations.