For the first time since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine from Belarus, U.S. military officers on Monday observed joint Russia-Belarus war games, even as President Donald Trump moves to strengthen ties with Moscow’s closest ally.

The presence of the U.S. officers, less than a week after neighbouring Poland shot down Russian drones that crossed into its airspace, is the latest sign that Washington is seeking to warm ties with Belarus.

Last week, Trump’s representative John Coale visited Minsk and said Trump wanted to reopen the U.S. embassy there soon, normalise ties and revive trade.

Trump May Be Seeking Diplomatic Gains

The U.S. military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Western foreign policy analysts speculate that Trump may be trying to peel Belarus a

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