Latvia's Foreign Minister Discussed Her Conversation With Trump's Special Envoy For Belarus

• 26.08.2026, 22:29

Riga found itself on the front lines of Lukashenko's hybrid attacks.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže held what she described as “productive” talks with the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Belarus, John Cole.

She reported on the content of the conversation on her X account.

According to Brazhe, during the conversation, the parties discussed “a number of challenges and threats facing allies in the region, including illegal migration and hybrid threats.”

The Latvian official also noted that Cole highly commended Latvia’s conscientious fulfillment of its NATO obligations and its contribution to maintaining stability in the region—in particular, mentioning the country’s defense spending, which amounts to 5% of GDP.

John Cole serves as a key liaison between the Trump administration and the regime in Minsk. It was precisely thanks to this channel of communication that, during 2025–2026, the Lukashenko regime agreed to release a significant number of political prisoners—including those best known to the general public—in exchange for the easing of some sanctions.

It should be noted that in recent months, Latvia has found itself on the front lines of Lukashenko’s hybrid attacks.