The US lifted some sanctions on Belarus: which sectors were affected?

US Presidential Representative John Cole, during a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, stated that Washington had decided to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash in accordance with the instructions of President Donald Trump.

This is reported by Belarusian media.

US Presidential Envoy John Cole announced on December 13 that Washington had decided to lift sanctions against Belarusian potash. According to him, this decision was made in accordance with the instructions of US President Donald Trump.

“In accordance with President Trump’s instructions, the US is lifting sanctions on potash. I think this is a very good move by the US for Belarus. We are lifting them now,” said John Cole.

He also noted that the dialogue between the parties on sanctions policy will continue.

According to journalists, the American side assessed the talks between John Cole and Alexander Lukashenko as productive. During the meeting, the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the situation in Venezuela, were discussed.

“We had a very good conversation. We talked about the future. About how to move forward on the path of rapprochement between the United States and Belarus to normalize relations. This is our goal,” the US representative said.

Answering questions about further steps to normalize relations, John Cole emphasized that the process is already underway.

“That’s exactly what we’re already doing. We’re lifting sanctions, releasing prisoners. We’re constantly communicating with each other. As we become closer, talk more and exchange ideas, there’s a transition from the first steps to more confident actions,” he said.

Recall that on September 11, US President’s Special Representative John Cole arrived in Minsk on an official visit. In the Belarusian capital, he held talks with the country’s self-proclaimed leader Alexander Lukashenko. During the meeting , the parties discussed the possible restoration of diplomatic relations, easing of sanctions pressure , and the fate of political prisoners.

By the way, at the summit in Lausanne, the International Olympic Committee decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes in youth age categories to participate in international competitions under their own flag.