US says it will lift some trade sanctions on Russia’s ally Belarus
Summarize this article with:
In this photo released by Belarusian presidential press service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, and U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale shake hands during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Photo by Uncredited /APArticle contentVILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — The United States will lift sanctions on Belarusian potash in the latest sign of a thaw between Washington and the isolated autocracy.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentJohn Coale, the U.S. special envoy for Belarus, made the announcement after meeting the country’s authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Friday and Saturday.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentA close ally of Russia, Minsk has faced Western isolation and sanctions for years. Lukashenko has ruled the nation of 9.5 million with an iron fist for more than three decades, and the country has been repeatedly sanctioned by Western countries both for its crackdown on human rights and for allowing Moscow to use its territory in the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentSpeaking with journalists, Coale described two-day talks as “very productive,” Belarus’ state news agency Belta reported Saturday.Article contentThe U.S. envoy said that normalizing relations between Washington and Minsk was “our goal.”Article content“We’re lifting sanctions, releasing prisoners. We’re constantly talking to each other,” he said, according to Belta. He also said that the relationship between the countries was moving from “baby steps to more confident steps” as they increased dialogue.Article contentThe last time U.S. officials met with Lukashenko in September 2025, Washington announced easing some of the sanctions against Belarus while Mink released more than 50 political prisoners into Lithuania. Overall, Belarus released more than 430 political prisoners since July 2024, in what was widely seen as an effort at a rapprochement with the West.Article contentThe latest round discussions also touched on Venezuela, as well as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Belta said.Article contentCoale told reporters that Lukashenko had given “good advice” on how to address the conflict, saying that Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin were “longtime friends” with “the necessary level of relationship to discuss such issues.”Article content“Naturally, President Putin may accept some advice and not others,” Coale said.Article contentTrending 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Canada's Air Force buys six Bombardier jets for $753 million News Howard Levitt: Why remote workers keep winning in employment law disputes Work Trump’s tariff revenues fell for the first time since February News This TSX stock surged 300 per cent this year and analysts see more upside ahead Investor Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Canada's Air Force buys six Bombardier jets for $753 million News Howard Levitt: Why remote workers keep winning in employment law disputes Work Trump’s tariff revenues fell for the first time since February News This TSX stock surged 300 per cent this year and analysts see more upside ahead Investor