Donald Trump’s statement regarding a potential large-scale agreement for the supply of Belarusian potash suggests a shift in the dialogue between Washington and Minsk. However, it is premature to discuss the quick resumption of transit through the Baltic countries. Valer Karbalevich, a political observer at Radio Svaboda, shared these insights in the Belsat Studio. He also commented on negotiations to release political prisoners and Belarus’s cooperation with African nations.
“This is actually the first time Donald Trump has publicly expressed interest in a deal with Belarus regarding potassium. Until now, he has primarily discussed the release of political prisoners. Interestingly, John Coale, Trump’s special representative, has also frequently mentioned political prisoners in his social media remarks. However, it seems that the rhetoric has shifted a bit,” said Valer Karbalevich.
The political observer noted that after returning from Minsk, John Coale held discussions with the leaders of Lithuania and Latvia.
“We can assume that one of the key topics during these negotiations was the transit of potassium through the ports of the Baltic states. Thus, this issue is indeed on the agenda. Furthermore, Alyaksandr Lukashenka stated not long ago that an entire ship has already been loaded with Belarusian potassium destined for the United States. So, some progress is being made, but how far it will go remains uncertain,” the expert pointed out.
Karbalevich also commented on Trump’s assertion that Belarusian potash for the US will be significantly cheaper than the current costs paid to Canada.
