Lukashenko was invited to the USA, and sanctions were lifted on fertilizers

In response, Minsk released 250 prisoners

The United States has decided to lift sanctions on a number of Belarusian banks and companies. This was announced by US Presidential Special Envoy John Cole following a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko on March 19. In addition, the Belarusian leader received an invitation to visit the United States. Minsk, in turn, released 250 prisoners.

Lifting sanctions and negotiations with the United States

According to Cole, the Belarusian Potash Company and the Belaruskali enterprise, as well as Belinvestbank, the Development Bank and the Ministry of Finance of Belarus will be removed from the sanctions lists. “The United States has decided (this was announced to the president) that two Belarusian companies will be removed from all sanctions lists - the Belarusian Potash Company and Belaruskali,” Cole said.

Lukashenko, during negotiations with the US delegation, said that Washington was waging a war in the Middle East against Minsk’s allies. “I think my views on global issues, especially the situation in the Middle East, will be important to you as you fight against our friends. And I’m ready to talk frankly on this topic,” he said.

Lukashenko also asked to convey his position to US President Donald Trump and noted that, despite “certain mistakes” of the United States, he considers himself his supporter.

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Release of prisoners

Amid the negotiations, 250 people were released in Belarus, including opposition activists, journalists and participants in the 2020 protests. Among those released were Belsat journalist Ekaterina Andreeva, blogger and public figure Eduard Palchis, human rights activist Nastya Loiko.

This is the largest single release in recent years. After liberation, 15 people went to Lithuania , the rest remained in the country.

Lukashenko’s press service stated that he acted “for reasons of humanism.” The president himself claims that there are no political prisoners in the country, but “there are criminals.”

Previously, the release of prisoners was also accompanied by a partial lifting of sanctions by the United States.

Lukashenko received an invitation to visit the USA

The parties also discussed the resumption of work of embassies. Lukashenko also confirmed participation in one of the meetings of the “ Peace Council ” on Gaza, initiated by Donald Trump. Moreover, the Belarusian leader received an invitation to visit the United States.

In early February, Lukashenko's press secretary Natalya Eismont explained his absence at the first meeting of the Peace Council by saying that the invitation arrived late, and the president's schedule had already been formed. She also noted that “there are issues that cannot be postponed” and pointed to difficulties with foreign travel due to “illegal EU sanctions.”

Cole's visit was the fourth recently. According to the American side, the dialogue is aimed, among other things, at reducing Belarus’ dependence on Russia.

Previously, “Verstka” talked about how Lukashenko released 52 political prisoners in exchange for the lifting of sanctions on Belavia . Among those released were well-known representatives of the Belarusian opposition Maria Kolesnikova and Viktor Babariko.

Photo: Negotiations between Alexander Lukashenko and the American delegation led by US Special Envoy John Cole, Minsk, March 19, 2026. Website of Alexander Lukashenko

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