On Sunday, November 9th, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he has nominated John Coale, the diplomat who previously helped to secure the release of prisoners from Belarus, as his special envoy. Trump said Coale will continue pressing Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to release more detainees, whom Trump has described as hostages.
Trump praised the efforts on social media noting that negotiator Coale had already secured the release of 100 hostages and was working to free an additional 50. He also thanked Lukashenko in advance for considering the release.
The U.S. closed its embassy in Minsk in February 2022, following Belarus’ support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
In September Belarus released 52 prisoners following Trump’s appeal—the largest batch of pardons under Lukashenko, who is seeking to mend relations with the United States after years of isolation and sanctions.
