The United States has appealed to Ukraine to ease restrictions on the import of potash fertilizers from Belarus. In addition, Washington is asking Kyiv to help convince European countries of the need for similar steps. Bloomberg reported this, citing its own sources.

This primarily concerns potassium carbonate, one of the key types of highly effective fertilizers widely used to increase crop yields. Before the introduction of Western sanctions, the export of potash fertilizers was one of the main sources of foreign exchange earnings for Belarus.

According to Bloomberg, in early 2026, the US had already partially eased its own sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers. This was part of the agreements with the regime of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, within the framework of which the Belarusian authorities released hundreds of political prisoners.

However, the effect of this decision remains limited due to European Union sanctions. It is precisely European restrictions that prevent Belarus from using traditional logistics routes through the ports of the Baltic Sea. Because of this, Minsk is forced to reorient fertilizer exports to Russian ports and railway infrastructure.

Bloomberg sources claim that the administration of US President Donald Trump considers a possible easing of sanctions as one of the ways to reduce Belarus' dependence on Russia and improve relations with official Minsk.

Poland and Lithuania play a key role in the transit of Belarusian fertilizers, through whose territories the main supply routes previously passed. Earlier, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that his country and other states in the region were beginning to feel pressure from the US regarding the transit of potash fertilizers.

Later, the Lithuanian presidential administration tried to soften these statements. Vilnius emphasized that there was no direct pressure from Washington, but only theoretical discussions around possible scenarios for changing the sanctions policy.

At the same time, Lithuania does not plan to change the current ban on the transit of Belarusian fertilizers. The country explains this by national security considerations, as well as the need to comply with European Union sanctions.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that he would support the extension of sanctions next year. According to him, the Belarusian authorities have not changed their behavior and continue to support Russia, which makes the easing of restrictions premature.