**Trump Envoy Pledges to Assist in Unfreezing Belarusian Assets**
In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. presidential envoy John Coale announced his commitment to work with American banks to unfreeze tens of millions of dollars in assets belonging to Belarus. This announcement came during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on Tuesday, as part of ongoing discussions aimed at normalizing economic relations and addressing prisoner releases.
During the meeting, President Lukashenko highlighted the urgency of the situation, specifically referencing approximately $43 to $44 million that he claimed was “stuck” in Citibank. “Pay back what you owe us,” he urged, emphasizing the need for the funds to be returned to Belarus.
Coale responded affirmatively, stating, “You are absolutely right. This money must be unfrozen and returned. We have approached the bank with a request to unfreeze these funds.” He further indicated that Washington was in the process of developing a concrete mechanism to facilitate the transfer of these assets.
The backdrop of this dialogue is marked by the imposition of sanctions on Belarus by many Western nations, which began in 2020 following a crackdown on protests that erupted after the presidential election that year. These sanctions were expanded in 2022, with accusations that Belarus was aiding Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Despite these claims, Lukashenko has consistently denied any military support to Russia and has accused NATO of attempting to destabilize his government. He has also asserted that the protests in 2020 were incited by foreign interference.
Coale's previous visits to Minsk have yielded positive outcomes, including the release of numerous opposition politicians and activists. However, during the recent discussions, Lukashenko maintained that the prosecution of opposition figures was not politically motivated. “If any Belarusian citizens – or foreign nationals present in the country – violate Belarusian law, we will certainly respond in accordance with the law,” he stated.
In a related context, last week, Lukashenko expressed his willingness to engage in further agreements with the United States, contingent upon the return of the frozen assets at Citibank. This statement was made while discussing the potential resumption of Belarusian fertilizer exports to the U.S., indicating a desire to enhance economic cooperation.
The Trump administration has conducted multiple rounds of negotiations with the Belarusian government, which have led to the release of hundreds of prisoners and a gradual easing of economic restrictions on Belarus. Notably, Washington has lifted some sanctions, including those imposed on the Belarusian state airline, Belavia.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on the resolution of financial disputes and the broader implications for U.S.-Belarus relations. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the economic landscape for Belarus and its ties with the West.