Trump Names Envoy to Belarus, Seeks More Prisoner Releases

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday nominated John Coale as special envoy to Belarus, aiming to secure the release of more prisoners from Belarusian custody.

Coale helped negotiate the recent release of 52 detainees from Belarus in September after Trump’s direct appeal to President Alexander Lukashenko. Trump said he now wants up to 1,400 more people freed and credited Coale with helping release “100 hostages so far,” while pursuing the release of 50 more.

In a statement on his social media platform, Trump thanked Lukashenko for considering additional releases and said Coale would continue to work on the issue.

The U.S. embassy in Minsk was closed in February 2022 after Belarus supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Trump’s administration has sent several delegations to Belarus, signaling an effort to reopen dialogue with the Lukashenko government.

• Trump Appoints John Coale as Envoy to Belarus to Push Prisoner Releases
• U.S. Names Special Envoy to Belarus as Trump Seeks 1,400 More Detainee Freedoms
• Trump Administration Moves to Reopen Dialogue with Belarus Through Prisoner Talks

The nomination of Coale marks a shift in U.S.-Belarus relations, emphasizing prisoner negotiations as a means to ease tensions. For Lukashenko, additional releases could help improve ties with Washington and reduce Western sanctions.

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The decision reflects Trump’s continued focus on high-profile negotiations involving detainees abroad. It remains unclear how far Belarus is willing to go, but the envoy appointment suggests Washington sees potential for limited cooperation despite ongoing political differences.