John Cole: Ultimately, the goal is to do business with Belarus, to return it to the international community

John Cole on September 11, 2025. Photo: Yauhen Yerchak / Anadolu via Getty Images

«This is Donald Trump's philosophy of diplomacy: you build relationships and see where you can move forward»

— You said that another 1000 political prisoners could be released in the near future. Now it's hard to imagine a more serious step than lifting sanctions on potash. Is the US ready to offer Lukashenka anything else for the release of such a large group of prisoners?

— Most sanctions were introduced due to the appearance of political prisoners in 2020. Therefore, if many are released in the near future, the reason for the restrictions — or a part of them — will disappear. This is what I consider an offer to the President of Belarus.

— Most of the 123 people released on December 13 were sent to Ukraine. Was this a surprise for you? When exactly did the question of the Ukrainian direction appear at the negotiating table?

— No, it was not a surprise. Rather, it was related to logistics, not something else. The prisoners were physically closer to Ukraine. And our position was: we don't care where they end up after their release. We took some of them to Lithuania, but most went through Ukraine. It wasn't a big problem, it's logistics. The Ukrainians received everyone very honorably, and we organized a meeting for the people. Some went through Poland, but our job is to get them out of prison.

Meanwhile, former political prisoner Pavel Sevyarynets said that he was taken from a prison in Grodno, in western Belarus, to the border with Ukraine in the south of the country. He was convoyed for more than a day with a bag over his head.

— In an interview with WSJ, you stated that you «don't care who we talk to. That's really Trump's style. What do you care who you talk to if that person can give you what you want — that's all that matters». What exactly does the US want from Lukashenka?

— The United States wants to release political prisoners and develop normal relations with your country. It's a process that will take time, but the goal is: ultimately to do business with Belarus, to return it to the international community.

— Where are your red lines in communicating with Lukashenka? Are there things you would never do for a deal with him?

— This question has not arisen yet. At this stage, I don't know. But one thing that has been overlooked all this time: I believe Lukashenka should be given credit for the release of these people, regardless of why it's being done or what his motives are. More than 250 people have already been released. And if Lukashenka hadn't agreed to it, they would still be in prison. So I think he should be given credit. It would be great if everyone was free, but at this stage, I'm not at that point.

— You have met with Lukashenka three times already. How do you evaluate him as a negotiator? Does it feel like he seriously prepares for your meetings and is well-versed in all topics?

— We have very good diplomatic relations. We get along with each other. And that's what I believe in. Look, this is Donald Trump's philosophy of diplomacy: you build relationships and see where you can move forward. And that's exactly what we're doing with Lukashenka. And that's what President Trump does with everyone. He even corresponds with the socialist mayor of New York. So I believe Trump's philosophy is: when in doubt, talk.

— After all your meetings, do you consider Lukashenka a dictator?

— I won't answer that question now. You know, at this stage, it's not for me to decide.

Павялічыць

Alexander Lukashenka and US Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole during a meeting in Minsk on September 11, 2025. Photo: Lukashenka's press service

«If they arrest new people, we'll get to that later, after we release the first batch»

— In your opinion, should Belarus remain in Russia's orbit, or does the country have the right to choose another, Western path?

— At the very beginning [of the dialogue] with Belarus, we determined that the United States and I would not interfere in its relations with Putin or Russia. At this moment, as I said, our job is to get political prisoners out. What will happen after that? We'll see. But we are not interfering in the relationship that Lukashenka has had with Putin for almost 30 years. That's not what I do. That's not my mission.

— In Belarus, citizens are still persecuted for their political position. Since you released 123 people, 40 new ones have been recognized as political prisoners. In 2025, at least 1254 people were convicted on political grounds in Belarus. Repressions in our country do not stop for a minute. Is there a point among the US demands about their cessation?

— I will talk to Lukashenka about this, but our position is to get out those who were imprisoned in 2020 after the elections. That is our mission. If they arrest new people, we will get to that later, after we release the first batch. And that's 900 to 1000 people, all those people who are there. My mission is to get them out. Then we will talk about what is happening in Belarus.

— At what stage of negotiations do you find out exactly who will be released? In September, you said that the US does not form lists; the Belarusian side handles this. Has anything changed since then?

— We are working on a list with Belarus. It's currently in process. But yes, a list exists.

— In one of your recent posts on X, you emphasized that the release of Belarusian political prisoners is entirely to the credit of the United States. Nevertheless, Tsikhanouskaya's Office and other politicians state that you consult with them. Is this true, and with whom among the democratic forces do you or your colleagues in the Belarusian direction maintain contact?

— There are many people who claim that I work or consult with them, but that is not true. The United States — that's who I work for. I don't know who said that, but I don't consult with any of those people. I consult with the government of Belarus and the government of the United States. That's what I do.

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