Archive · 14 Dec 2025
US Lifts Sanctions on Belarusian Potash
The United States has decided to lift sanctions on potash from Belarus.
This decision came after talks between John Coale, who is the US envoy, and Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus.
They discussed many important topics, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the situation in Venezuela, and how to improve the relationship between the US and Belarus.
As part of the deal, Lukashenko freed 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and leading opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava.
The US hopes to release more political prisoners in Belarus as part of these talks.
Potash is a very important part of fertilizer, and Belarus is a big producer of it.
However, some opposition officials in Belarus are skeptical, saying that Lukashenko has not changed his policies and continues to support Russia's war in Ukraine.
The opposition believes that EU sanctions should stay in place to pressure for systemic change and stop the war.
US lifts sanctions on Belarusian potash after talks in Minsk.
John Coale, Trump's envoy, met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Discussions included the Ukraine-Russia war, Venezuela, and US-Belarus relations.
Lukashenko freed 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava.
The US aims to release more political prisoners in Belarus and improve relations.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump's envoy John Coale and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko
- What
- US lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash and release of political prisoners
- When
- After two days of talks in Minsk
- Where
- Minsk, Belarus
- Why
- To normalize relations, discuss geopolitical issues, and release political prisoners
US and Belarusian Government
Belarusian Opposition
Sanctions Lifting
US and Belarusian Government
The US lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash is seen as a positive step to improve relations and discuss geopolitical issues.
Belarusian Opposition
The lifting of US sanctions is viewed with skepticism, as it does not address ongoing repression and support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
EU Sanctions
US and Belarusian Government
The US and Belarusian government believe that lifting US sanctions on potash is a step towards improving relations and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Belarusian Opposition
The Belarusian opposition supports maintaining EU sanctions to pressure for systemic change, stop the war, and enable a democratic transition.
- Sanctions Lifted
- Potash
- US Envoy
- John Coale
- Belarusian President
- Alexander Lukashenko
- Discussed Issues
- Ukraine-Russia war, Venezuela, US-Belarus relations
- Political Prisoners Released
- 123
- Nobel Peace Prize Winner Released
- Ales Bialiatski
- Key Opposition Figure Released
- Maria Kalesnikava
- Belarus-Russia Relationship
- Close alliance
- Potash Importance
- Key fertilizer component
- EU Sanctions
- More impactful than US sanctions
- US Sanctions
- Focus on people
- EU Sanctions
- Focus on systemic change
Sources
US lifts sanctions on Belarusian potash, state media cite Trump envoy as saying
Will Lift Some Trade Sanctions on Belarus: US
US is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, Trump envoy says
Belarus frees Nobel winner, top opposition figures as US lifts more sanctions
Belarus frees 123 prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, as US lifts sanctions on its potash industry
Ales Bialiatski, who won Nobel prize while behind bars, is freed from prison in Belarus
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 5 Ukrainians released by Belarus in US-brokered deal
Lukashenko frees Nobel winner Bialiatski and key Belarus opposition figures in deal with US