Belarus News, December 13, 2025, Avia.pro. On Saturday, US Special Representative to Belarus John Cole announced Washington's decision to lift restrictions on Belarusian potash exports, which, prior to the imposition of sanctions in 2021, accounted for approximately one-fifth of global exports of this important fertilizer.

"In accordance with President [Donald] Trump's instructions, the US is lifting sanctions on potassium. I think this is a very good move by the US for Belarus. We are lifting them now." "Koel said, emphasizing that the decision is aimed at supporting the Belarusian economy.

He also hinted at continuing negotiations to ease sanctions pressure, noting:

"As relations between the two countries normalize, more and more sanctions will be lifted."

The move came after two days of intense discussions in Minsk, where Cole, appointed by Trump to negotiate the fate of more than a thousand political prisoners, touched on a wide range of issues, including the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the situation in Venezuela.

However, Washington's decision raises questions about its practical implementation. European countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, did not participate in the US-Belarus negotiations and continue to maintain their own sanctions, prohibiting the transit of Belarusian cargo through their ports. This creates logistical difficulties, as the main route for potash exports from Belarus has traditionally passed through the EU.