Lukashenka's letter from Trump, a "big deal" and the lifting of sanctions on Belavia. Key points on the reset of relations with the USA
September 12, 2025
In the afternoon of September 11, it became known about a new round of Belarusian-American negotiations - President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with U.S. President’s representative John Cole. This is not the American’s first visit to Minsk. In June, he had already participated in negotiations with the head of the Belarusian state as part of a delegation led by U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg. It is known that even before that, Belarus and the USA maintained regular contacts at various levels, despite the evident accumulated problems in their relations. However, the latest events on the bilateral agenda can only be described as a reset.
The need for a swift normalization of relations is now being discussed not only in Minsk but also in Washington. It is enough to recall the recent phone conversation between Trump and Lukashenko, as well as statements in which the White House head called his Belarusian counterpart a strong and respected leader.
And now, a new stage with concrete, tangible results. Alexander Lukashenko first held multi-hour negotiations with John Cole, and then set tasks for Belarusian diplomat Valentin Rybakov, who is "at the forefront" of the dialogue with the Americans. The U.S. representative brought a letter from Donald Trump to Minsk with a symbolic gift and the news of the lifting of sanctions against the airline Belavia. The Belarusian side also made its steps towards rapprochement - Alexander Lukashenko pardoned a number of convicted individuals, including foreign citizens who were found guilty of espionage.
As for the meeting itself, the parties discussed about 10 different issues concerning the entire complex of Belarusian-American relations. Alexander Lukashenko proposed to sincerely address issues of the global situation in the context of the interests of the USA and Belarus. "We will not shy away from issues of war and peace," he said.
The most important issue, he also called the sphere of economy: "I think you have interests in Belarus and through Belarus to Russia in the economic sphere. Naturally, we have a great interest in your global country in terms of economy."
On the peacekeeping position of the President of the USA, with whom Belarus is ready to stand side by side
"I want to thank your President (not because I want to flatter him, that is alien to me) for the efforts he is making towards peace, and primarily in our region, - said the head of state. - Seven, six wars or conflicts stopped - it doesn't matter. He stopped quite a few conflicts. I say this as a historian and as a President who has been working for a long time: no President of the United States of America has made so many efforts and such efforts to ensure peace on the planet. I think you will sort out the economy and tariffs yourselves. Nevertheless, I am grateful, John, to your friend Donald for the efforts he is making in world politics today."