Coale Discussed Belarusian Potash In Lithuania And Latvia

Reform.news Editorial Team · 17 September 2026, 23:02

https://reform.news/en/coale-discussed-belarusian-potash-in-lithuania-and-latvia/

One of the topics discussed by U.S. special envoy for Belarus John Coale with officials in Lithuania and Latvia was the possible transit of Belarusian potash through the Baltic states. He told The New York Times.

After talks in Minsk, Coale met on Sept. 16 with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius. Publicly, the Lithuanian side spoke mainly about the release of political prisoners and regional security issues.

According to The New York Times, Coale traveled by car from Minsk to Lithuania, where he was due to hold talks with Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius. The discussions were expected to focus in particular on the European Union’s continuing sanctions against Belarusian potash.

Coale told the newspaper that negotiations over a possible potash deal were at an advanced stage. He said the arrangement could eventually allow Belarusian potash fertilizers to be shipped to the United States, which he said was sought by President Trump. Coale also said he planned to coordinate the issue with the leaders of Lithuania and Latvia.

On Sept. 17, Coale met in Riga with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and State Border Guard chief Guntis Pujāts. Officially, the sides said they discussed the security of Latvia’s eastern border, illegal migration, U.S.-Latvian cooperation and the release of political prisoners in Belarus.

Kulbergs welcomed the release of 25 Belarusian political prisoners but stressed that Latvia supports stronger sanctions, as there have been no significant improvements in the actions of the Belarusian regime.

The Latvian prime minister’s office said the regime continued its repression of society, supported Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and used migration as a tool of hybrid attack. Against this backdrop, Latvia considers it necessary to maintain political and sanctions pressure and supports expanding and strengthening EU sanctions.

Following Coale’s talks with Lukashenka, 25 political prisoners were released and taken to Lithuania. In return, the United States will lift sanctions on “Bellesbumprom” and “Lakokraska”. Coale also announced further releases and additional sanctions relief.