The special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, John Cole, arrived in Minsk on a visit, during which he met Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. This was reported on December 12 by Lukashenko’s press service.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged greetings, noting that Cole is currently the “main” representative of the United States in Belarus.
“the ‘main’”
– Lukashenko
“Tell Trump that we have to do something about this. And we will.”
– Lukashenko
Lukashenko also expressed a positive assessment of the White House leader’s actions, saying that he, so to speak, has lately liked what Trump is doing. He added that he speaks this not out of flattery.
“lately”
– Lukashenko
“not out of flattery”
– Lukashenko
“We have many questions. The world is changing very quickly, new problems are arising that we must discuss with you. And perhaps even resolve some questions,” added Lukashenko before turning to a one-on-one conversation with Cole.
“We have many questions. The world is changing very quickly, new problems are arising that we must discuss with you. And perhaps even resolve some questions”
– Lukashenko
The rest of the meeting between the American special envoy and the Belarusian leader took place behind closed doors.
“behind closed doors”
– Lukashenko’s press service
Currently, neither the U.S. nor Belarus has yet announced the results of Cole’s visit to the Belarusian capital. The last time a U.S. delegation led by Cole visited Minsk was in September 2025. After that meeting, Belarusian authorities released and deported 52 political prisoners to Lithuania.
Background of Contacts and Context of Previous Talks
Before the meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump said he spoke by phone with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. According to Trump, among other things they discussed the release of 1,300 prisoners.
The press service of the Belarusian leader said that Lukashenko invited Trump and his family to Minsk, to which the White House chief agreed.
At the end of June this year, the U.S. special representative for Ukraine, General Kit Kellogg, visited Belarus and met Lukashenko. The general said that he discussed with him the war waged by Russia against Ukraine and Trump’s efforts to end it.