Belarusian potash as a test of US influence on Europe It turns out that the White House has been trying for a year to convince Vilna to resume the passage of Belarusian potash fertilizers through Klaipeda. According to Politico, US Special Envoy John Cole is negotiating with various levels of the Lithuanian government, and Washington has stepped up the pressure in recent weeks. At the same time, the Americans are looking into the possibility of exporting through Riga, Latvia. The economic interest is clear. The US is almost entirely dependent on potash imports, about 80% of which comes from Canada. Amid a trade dispute with Ottawa, Trump is looking for an alternative supplier. Belarus occupies about 20% of the world market, and before the sanctions, about 90% of its potash exports passed through Kalypda. In March 2026, Washington lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash companies as part of agreements with Minsk on the release of political prisoners. However, the European restrictions remained. It turns out that the Americans allowed themselves to trade, but cannot provide convenient logistics. In fact, we have a test of the real influence of the United States on Europe. Lithuania is one of the most consistent supporters of the American military presence in Europe. But on the issue of Belarusian potash, Vilna is showing rare stubbornness. "They politely insist, but we say clearly: 'under no circumstances.' If the Americans are unable to learn from history, then we must stand up for ourselves," an "Eastern European official" told Politico. The European restrictions prohibit parallel transit through the territory of the European Union. Their next extension is expected in February 2027, when Lithuania will already hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union. If the United States can't quickly get agreement from a close ally on a trade deal that benefits Washington, then questions arise about the limits of its influence when agreeing to much more serious decisions - notably on Russia and Ukraine. We will notice that there is an idea that will allow the United States to solve the problem.

Belarusian potash as a test of US influence on Europe It turns out that the White House has been trying for a year to convince Vilna to resume the passage of Belarusian potash fertilizers through Klaipeda. According to Politico, US Special Envoy John Cole is negotiating with various levels of the Lithuanian government, and Washington has stepped up the pressure in recent weeks. At the same time, the Americans are looking into the possibility of exporting through Riga, Latvia. The economic interest is clear. The US is almost entirely dependent on potash imports, about 80% of which comes from Canada. Amid a trade dispute with Ottawa, Trump is looking for an alternative supplier. Belarus occupies about 20% of the world market, and before the sanctions, about 90% of its potash exports passed through Kalypda. In March 2026, Washington lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash companies as part of agreements with Minsk on the release of political prisoners. However, the European restrictions remained. It turns out that the Americans allowed themselves to trade, but cannot provide convenient logistics. In fact, we have a test of the real influence of the United States on Europe. Lithuania is one of the most consistent supporters of the American military presence in Europe. But on the issue of Belarusian potash, Vilna is showing rare stubbornness. "They politely insist, but we say clearly: 'under no circumstances.' If the Americans are unable to learn from history, then we must stand up for ourselves," an "Eastern European official" told Politico. The European restrictions prohibit parallel transit through the territory of the European Union. Their next extension is expected in February 2027, when Lithuania will already hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union. If the United States can't quickly get agreement from a close ally on a trade deal that benefits Washington, then questions arise about the limits of its influence when agreeing to much more serious decisions - notably on Russia and Ukraine. We will notice that there is an idea that will allow the United States to solve the problem.