# Exclusive: Trump envoy’s push to reopen Lithuanian ports to Belarus exposes rift in Washington

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/exclusive-trump-envoys-push-to-reopen-lithuanian-ports-to-belarus-exposes-rift-in-washington/
- Published: 2026-11-05T19:08:58+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T20:56:42+00:00
- Original publisher: Kyiv Independent
- Original article: https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-trump-envoys-push-to-reopen-lithuanian-ports-to-belarus-exposes-rift-in-washington/
- Topics: Europe, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- John Coale is pushing to route Belarusian potash through Lithuania.
- US and European officials say this is not agreed Washington policy.
- Lithuania has no plans to change its position on the exports.

## Summary

A proposal to reopen Lithuanian ports to Belarusian potash exports is being advanced by US envoy John Coale, rather than as an agreed policy of the Trump administration, according to US and European officials. Lithuania has no plans to change its position, exposing disagreements and poor coordination over foreign policy in Washington.

Belarus was a major potash supplier, and the mineral is used to make fertiliser. The US, UK, EU and Canada imposed sanctions after the Belarusian government’s 2020 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters; Washington lifted its sanctions on Belarusian producers in December 2025 as it sought alternatives to Canadian supply, which previously made up about 80% of US imports. EU restrictions remain in force and require unanimous renewal each year, while the White House said the US decision reflected improved engagement with Minsk and the release of political prisoners.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.