Updated 16 Sep, 2026 00:35
U.S. peculiar Envoy John Coale (left) and president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko (right) during talks in Minsk, Belarus, 15 September 2026. © Press Service of the president of the Republic of Belarus
U.S. President's peculiar Envoy John Coale committed to working with US banks to release tens of millions of frozen assets belonging to Belarus, a close ally of Russia in Europe.
President Donald Trump's emissary spoke these words on Tuesday in Minsk during a gathering with president Alexander Lukashenko, held as part of a broader discussion on normalization of economical relations and release of prisoners.
Lukashenko demanded the release of an amount of about US$43–44 million, which he stated – ‘stuck’ at Citibank.
“Give back what you owe us” – he said.
"You're absolutely right.
This money must be frozen and returned.
We asked the bank to unfreeze these measures" said Coale, adding that Washington is working on a circumstantial mechanics that would let their transfer.
Many Western countries imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2020 in consequence to repression of protesters following the presidential elections, and in 2022 expanded them, accusing this country of supporting Russia in conflict with Ukraine.
Lukashenko denied that he was providing military support to Russia, and accused NATO of plotting to overthrow it.
He besides claimed that protests and riots in Minsk in 2020 were inspired from abroad.
Coale’s last year visits to Minsk resulted in the release of tens of opposition politicians and activists.
During the Tuesday talks, Lukashenko denied that the prosecution of opposition representatives should be politically motivated.
"If any citizens of Belarus – or abroad nationals present in the country – violate Belarusian law, we will surely respond in accordance with the rules" – he said.
Last week, the president of Belarus stated that he was willing to discuss further agreements with the US only after the return of assets frozen in Citibank.
This message was made in the context of discussions on the resumption of exports of Belarusian fertilizers to the United States.
The Trump administration carried out respective rounds of negotiations with Minsk, which contributed to the release of hundreds of prisoners and the easing of economical constraints imposed on Belarus.
Washington besides abolished any of the restrictions, including sanctions against Belarusian state airlines Belavia.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/russia/645779-belarus-us-envoy-frozen-funds/
![Kosiniak-Kamysz u Trumpa. O co naprawdę chodzi w tej awanturze? [PROGRAM POLITYCZNY]](https://cdn.oko.press/cdn-cgi/image/trim=35;0;43;0,width=1200,quality=75/https://cdn.oko.press/2026/10/20261008-miniatura-pp-1920x1080-1.png)
