After Belarus freed political prisoners amid U.S. sanctions relief, the Wall Street Journal credits Donald Trump’s special envoy John Coale with warming Washington‑Minsk ties through informal meetings with President Alexander Lukashenko.
Cooling of US‑Belarus Relations
By the end of April, Belarus announced the release of U.S. citizen Jurasii Zienkowicz, who had been sentenced to 11 years for alleged coup preparation. In mid‑December the country freed another 123 political prisoners. In exchange, the United States lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash fertilizers. The Wall Street Journal reported that the thaw in Washington‑Minsk relations largely stemmed from the amicable rapport between Donald Trump’s special envoy, John Coale, and President Alexander Lukashenko.
Informal Meetings Between Coale and Lukashenko
WSJ said Coale held a series of informal meetings with Lukashenko in recent months. The American paper reported that the talks sometimes lasted several hours and were heavily peppered with alcohol. During one Minsk session so much vodka was served that the Trump envoy nearly covertly poured out his glass. It was also reported that Lukashenko expressed interest in the weight‑loss drug Zepbound, which Coale had recommended; the envoy subsequently gave the Belarusian leader a brochure about the product.
Lukashenko Advising on Foreign Policy and Putin
According to WSJ, Coale urged Lukashenko to shift Belarus’s foreign policy. Using a school‑cafeteria metaphor, the envoy suggested that with U.S. help the country could leave the “table of losers” (shared with Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea) and instead sit beside the “good guys.” Conversely, Lukashenko was to advise Americans on how to deal with Vladimir Putin and leaders of Venezuela and China.
Coale Reports Lukashenko’s Counsel on the Russia‑Ukraine War
After a December 13 meeting in Minsk, John Coale said he spoke with Alexander Lukashenko about the war in Ukraine. He added that Lukashenko “helps and advises us on what to do about the Russia‑Ukraine war. These are good tips.” The envoy noted that Lukashenko “has a long history of relations with Putin and can therefore give him advice,” stating that their friendship and level of relations make such discussions possible, though Putin may or may not take the counsel.
