Lukashenko holds talks with US Special Envoy John Coale

“As if you didn’t have a long journey. You are full of energy. I am very glad you are in good spirits and looking lively. That’s probably because, John [Coale], you stopped by to see your friends first, and did not fly straight to Belarus. It is time to start coming directly to us,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the beginning of the meeting.

“Yes, that would be nice,” John Coale replied.

“So, it is no secret that the agenda has been determined in advance. This is why I am ready, as always, to discuss and address any issues. But I would like to encourage you to touch upon regional issues. And not only the Ukraine issues, but also global ones. And not only the war in the Middle East,” the head of state said. “My point of view on global issues, especially the situation in the Middle East, will be important for you, since you are fighting against our friends, and I am ready to speak openly on this topic.”

The US special envoy clarified whether they are talking about a war with Iran.

“Yes, I would very much like you to convey my perspective to [US President] Donald Trump. Although I believe the United States has made certain mistakes, I remain a supporter of your president,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko raised the matter of so-called political prisoners. The matter is also part of the agenda of the Belarus-USA negotiations.

“We cannot avoid the problem that Chris [Smith, one of the U.S. negotiators, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State] closely monitors. The so-called political prisoners. Although I keep telling you that we have no political articles [in the Criminal Code] and no political prisoners. There are only lawbreakers,” the head of state said.

“But you and I discussed this problem by correspondence. I think that we have essentially come up with a certain opinion. And the Belarusian side is ready to follow our arrangements with you. I don’t think there will be major problems in this regard. Just like with regard to other items on our agenda,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

In turn, John Coale outlined the U.S. position on the Iranian issue. He noted that for decades, countries possessing nuclear weapons have understood that using them would be self-destructive. These countries might disagree on many other matters, yet on this topic they have always been united.

According to the U.S. representative, the situation with Iran is different. “In the West, we call them religious radicals. They may blow themselves up, including by triggering a nuclear war,” John Coale believes.

This is another round of Belarus-US contacts. Aleksandr Lukashenko has met with John Coale several times, most recently in mid-December 2025.

Answering journalists’ questions recently, the Belarusian leader shared some details of the negotiation agenda. “We are discussing our bilateral relations: from restoring the normal work of the embassy to the release of the so-called political prisoners. Although we have no such articles in our legislation,” the head of state noted. “[We are discussing] economic issues, including sanctions. Everything. There are about ten issues in total that we are currently negotiating with them. There is plenty to discuss.”

“We are conducting negotiations with them. In a dignified manner, without touching upon Russia and China. This is not up for discussion,” the president said.