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

A U.S. envoy's push to reopen Lithuanian ports for Belarusian potash exports has emerged as a contentious issue within the Trump administration, according to multiple U.S. and European officials. The initiative, spearheaded by John Coale, appears to be an independent action rather than part of an agreed-upon policy, and there is little backing for it within the administration.

Lithuania, a staunch ally of Ukraine, currently has no plans to alter its stance on allowing Belarusian potash through its ports, according to officials familiar with the matter. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, was once a leading global potash supplier, making its exports commercially significant. Sanctions on Belarusian potash were imposed by the U.S., UK, EU, and Canada following the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko in 2020.

While the U.S. lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash producers in December 2025, EU sanctions prevent member states from trading in Belarusian goods, requiring unanimous agreement for any changes. Lithuania's position on renewing EU sanctions remains unchanged, despite the potential for future Belarusian exports through its territory.

The U.S. has sought alternatives to Canadian potash imports, which previously accounted for around 80% of U.S. supplies. However, removing U.S. sanctions does not automatically grant permission for Belarusian exports to reach European markets. EU sanctions must be renewed annually through unanimous agreement by member states. Lithuania's rejection of the proposal and the U.S. State Department's lack of involvement in discussing the issue with Lithuania have been confirmed by European officials.

The U.S. administration has defended the decision to lift sanctions, citing Belarus's recent constructive engagement and the release of political prisoners. Coale has not commented on the matter.