In a significant policy shift, the United States announced on December 13 the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash exports. Belarus, a major global potash producer, previously accounted for about 20% of the world's potash exports. On the same day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 123 detainees.
The decision followed a two-day closed-door meeting between Lukashenko and U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole. Media reports suggest this diplomatic move signals an improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries.
The sanctions, initially imposed by the Biden administration on August 9, 2021, targeted Belaruskali OAO, Belarus's largest state-owned potash producer, citing alleged election manipulation. These measures severely impacted Belarus's economic backbone and primary source of foreign currency, prompting the country to reroute exports to circumvent U.S. restrictions.
After meetings in Minsk, Cole announced the sanctions removal, stating it was "a very good step by the U.S. for Belarus" under presidential directives. He expressed hope for further dialogue toward complete sanction elimination as relations normalize.
Cole described the talks as "productive," focusing on bilateral normalization. Lukashenko reportedly offered "valuable suggestions" on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leveraging his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Belarusian leader also praised former U.S. President Trump's ceasefire efforts.
Belarus confirmed the mass pardon, linking it to the agreement addressing "illegal sanctions on Belarus's potash sector." Among the pardoned were individuals convicted of espionage and extremism, including foreign nationals and opposition figures detained during 2020 post-election protests.
A U.S. official hailed the prisoner release as a "major milestone" in bilateral relations. Recent months have seen reciprocal gestures: Belarus freeing detainees while the U.S. eased sanctions, including lifting restrictions on Belavia airlines.
Thawing relations became evident when the U.S. allowed its military attaches to observe Belarus-Russia joint exercises in September, coinciding with regional tensions. Analysts view these developments as indicators of warming U.S.-Belarus ties, though Russia maintains its alliance with Belarus remains unaffected.
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