Without mentioning names, Lukashenko referenced previous laureates, saying, “Remember the case with the U.S. President who did nothing at all, became President, and received this prize.”

Calling the decision “shortsighted” and a “disservice to the peace process,” Lukashenko warned that snubbing Trump could damage future diplomatic efforts. “Trump has done quite a bit for peace... I am absolutely convinced that he should have been tied to the peaceful process with this prize.”

He also dismissed Machado, saying, “I don’t know this Venezuelan person and don’t want to speak about him,” adding that the Nobel Committee had chosen someone “not interested in peace.”