For Minsk, the American route is not only an opportunity to regain access to markets and financial transactions, but also a way to reduce dependence on Moscow without entering into an open conflict with the Kremlin. Lukashenko wants to show Washington that Belarus can be useful in broader geopolitical calculations and therefore deserves special treatment. However, loud declarations of progress have yet to be accompanied by a similar number of completed agreements. And the small number of political prisoners released after John Cole's last visit to the country indicates that not all of Lukashenko's "wishes" have been fulfilled. Only potassium supply remained the area where Minsk managed to achieve visible results. It can also be observed that the Belarusian ruler is annoyed by the close connection between the easing of sanctions and the release of Belarusian political prisoners. Political repression, therefore, remains not a minor episode, but one of the central issues of bilateral dialogue. At the same time, Lukashenko tries not only to follow American policy, but also to influence it: he emphasizes his integrity, recalls the agreements reached and publicly argues against the other side. According to Lukashenko's logic, Belarus already looks like a country that has made serious concessions - while Washington is the one delaying the transition to the next stage: further lifting of sanctions, solving financial problems and restoring diplomatic ties. Lukashenko does not want Russia's rapprochement with the US to precede the normalization of relations between the US and Belarus. Otherwise, he loses the more useful role of a mediator who can find a common language with one and the other side. Indeed, why does Washington need Lukashenko if Trump can negotiate directly with Putin? It is likely that such a turn will only lead to increasing Minsk's dependence on Russia.