After Donald Trump returned to the White House, the United States began to restore relations with Alexander Lukashenko. In 2025, the Americans were able to agree on the release of many prisoners, including several opposition leaders – Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babariko, Sergei Tikhanovsky. Another 250 people were released in March 2026. In response, the United States is gradually lifting sanctions against Belarus and its leadership. On the part of the White House administration, Trump’s special envoy John Cole is conducting negotiations with Lukashenko. Belarusian edition “Zerkalo” March 25 booksthat a few days before his recent visit to Minsk, Kohl, during a speech at the McCain Institute in Arizona, described in detail how he had contacts with Lukashenko. This is what he said.
On the occasion of his appointment as special envoy
I was Keith Kellogg’s deputy when he was special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. They called me and asked me if I would go to Belarus. I ask: “Where is this Belarus? And when should I go? They told me that tomorrow – and I went.
About the first meeting with Lukashenko
He talks a lot. Many of these men who have been in power for 30 years like to talk. The Foreign Office warned me that he liked to chat and laugh – well, I listened. He started complaining about the Europeans. I’m sorry this is rude, but my response was to say, “They’re a bunch of pissers.” From that moment on it was in my pocket. He swore and I swore again. We got along great.
About Eid
The first meeting was a two-hour lunch. Of course, there was vodka on the table. Lukashenko raised a toast to Trump — and the State Department men indicated to me that I should drink to him in return. Then these endless toasts started, and I couldn’t get drunk. I was watching him, and when he wasn’t looking, I simply poured vodka on the floor. In the end I only had two drinks.
Hey Trump
One time we had dinner with Trump, and I told him about my conversations with Lukashenko. He immediately said: “I want to talk to this man, give me the number.” Two days later, we called Lukashenko directly from Air Force One, as Trump was flying to Anchorage to meet with Putin. They had a great conversation and became best friends. This was very helpful, I returned to Belarus and released 52 more people. This is Trump’s signature style: no preconditions, just sit at the negotiating table. If we agree to the terms, we can argue for six years. So you just sit down and talk. This is exactly what I do.
Regarding the release of prisoners
We came from Lithuania to Belarus and traveled into the forest. A truck stopped carrying 14 people inside, all sitting together. I opened the door and said in English: “You are free.” There was no reaction, even though many of them knew English, they thought it was a trap. Then I found out what they thought: They were being taken to be shot. Then I said: “I am here on behalf of the President of the United States, Donald Trump. You are truly free.” Only then did they raise their heads. The expressions on their faces were priceless.
About the Belarusian opposition
I communicate a lot with the opposition, and we have good relations. I understand that they want to go out and scream and be angry and tell how bad Lukashenko is. But I ask them to keep this at a certain level, as there are still 800 to 900 political prisoners in Belarus. If they make him too angry, everything will fall apart. They understand this.