Politico: Europe Denies The U.S. Transit Of Belarusian Potash
- 31.10.2026, 16:26
Trump is trying to pressure Lithuania.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to persuade Lithuania to resume exports of Belarusian potash fertilizers through the port of Klaipėda, which would effectively weaken the impact of European sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. However, as reported by Politico reports that Europe is pushing back against such proposals from Washington.
It is noted that Washington is interested in diversifying potash fertilizer supplies to reduce dependence on Canada and lower costs for American farmers.
According to four European officials, the U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole has stepped up his contacts with Lithuanian diplomats in recent weeks. He discussed the possibility of easing restrictions on trade in Belarusian goods, particularly potash fertilizers.
Current EU sanctions prohibit European ports from shipping Belarusian products. At the same time, these restrictions must be renewed every 12 months to remain in effect.
Lithuania, which will assume the rotating presidency of the European Union early next year, could theoretically block the next extension of the sanctions, scheduled for February. In that case, the restrictions would expire. At the same time, Vilnius remains one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies among EU countries.
“They’re applying polite pressure, but we respond very clearly: ‘Screw you.’ If the Americans are incapable of learning from history, then we must stand our ground,” said one Eastern European official.
As Politico notes, John Cole has been trying to secure concessions from the Lithuanian government for over a year—since his first visit to Minsk.
At the same time, there are fears in Eastern Europe that easing sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime will strengthen his international position and provide more opportunities to persecute and imprison political opponents.
Another source interviewed by the publication questioned the economic viability of such agreements. According to him, it remains unclear whether there is sufficient global demand for Belarusian potash fertilizers, given Canada’s dominance in this market.