U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Major Belarusian Firms Following Trump-Backed Deal, Says Lukashenko

Belarus-U.S. Negotiations Advance

According to Главком: Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, has announced that a major agreement with the United States, proposed on behalf of Donald Trump, is being prepared. This follows a visit to Minsk by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy John Cole, during which restrictions were lifted on several key Belarusian companies and institutions. The list includes:

• Belinvestbank
• The Development Bank of Belarus
• The Belarusian Finance Ministry
• Belaruskali
• Belarusian Potash Company

During his visit, John Cole held several rounds of talks with Lukashenko. Their most recent meeting took place in mid-December 2025. Prior to traveling to Minsk, Cole also met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and other politicians in Vilnius.

Scope and Implications of the Proposed Deal

Lukashenko stated that the proposed agreement covers a range of significant issues.

“A proposal was made on Trump's behalf to conclude a major deal that would address a number of items on our negotiation agenda. Why would I refuse? This is important for Belarus, and for me personally. So I said: I am fine with it, tell Donald that I agree to develop and prepare this major agreement,”

said Alexander Lukashenko.

Furthermore, Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus is ready to conclude this pact with the American side.

“We are preparing to conclude this major deal with the Americans... We have defined our interests and sent corresponding proposals to the Americans. As they informed me, these are now being worked on. A major deal is not just about political prisoners, as they say,”

he added.

These negotiations could mark a new phase in bilateral relations, discussing not only economic matters but also other critical aspects, including embassy operations and the topic of nuclear materials. This initiative from Lukashenko may signal a shift in Belarus's foreign policy approach and a potential desire to improve relations with the West. It is important to note these talks occur against the backdrop of long-standing international sanctions against Belarus, which could be partially lifted if negotiations succeed. The outcomes could significantly impact the country's economic situation and its political standing on the global stage.

As the negotiations progress, it is essential to understand the broader context of these developments. The recent lifting of sanctions on Belarusian banks and firms signifies a pivotal shift in U.S.-Belarus relations, potentially impacting economic stability and diplomatic interactions between the two nations.