U.S. Eases Sanctions on Belarus Amid Efforts to Normalize Relations
The United States has announced the lifting of certain sanctions on Belarus, specifically targeting Belarusian potash, as part of ongoing efforts to improve relations with the country. This development follows a meeting between U.S. special envoy John Coale and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk. The discussions, described as 'very productive,' are part of a broader strategy to normalize ties between Washington and Minsk. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has been under Western sanctions due to its human rights record and its support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine. The easing of sanctions is seen as a step towards thawing relations, with Belarus having released over 430 political prisoners since July 2024. However, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya cautions that while the release of prisoners is a positive sign, Lukashenko's policies remain unchanged, and his support for Russia's war in Ukraine continues. 
