Trump wished Lukashenko a happy birthday and emphasized improving bilateral relations

Journalists from Belarus report that the United States has decided to lift sanctions on Belavia Airlines. This information was confirmed by Donald Trump’s representative in Minsk, Jason Cole.

This news also appeared in the Ukrainian media.

Cole noted that Washington seeks to normalize its relations with Belarus. The American president sent a letter of congratulations to Alexander Lukashenko on his birthday, in which he said progress in joint affairs and wished him health and success.

Through his special envoy, Trump presented Lukashenko with gold cufflinks with the image of the White House. Lukashenko promised to reciprocate the gesture.

In response, the Belarusian leader released 52 political prisoners.

Jason Cole said that the United States plans to resume the work of the American embassy in Minsk: “We are looking forward to the return of the embassy. I am sure that this will happen in the near future. We need an ambassador and a full diplomatic staff.”

The US administration is negotiating with the Belarusian side to restore diplomatic relations, which include the opening of embassies, mutual visits, and the lifting of sanctions that Washington considers political. While the US seeks to maintain a dialogue with Lukashenko, the situation surrounding the war in Ukraine is also being taken into account.

Despite these efforts, military cooperation between Belarus and Russia is growing. The joint military exercises “West-2025” are currently underway, raising concerns from the US and its allies.

As a reminder, Poland temporarily closed its border on the night of September 12 due to the “West-2025” exercises, which Russia and Belarus are conducting near Polish territory.