U.S. envoy mocks EU leaders at Lukashenko meeting
U.S. special envoy John Coe made a provocative remark calling European leaders 'a bunch of cowards' during his first meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2025, using humor to ease tensions and build rapport, while also drinking and discreetly discarding excess vodka to stay sober.
Consensus
- John Coe, the U.S. special envoy to Belarus, met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for the first time in 2025.
- During the meeting, Lukashenko criticized European leaders who sought his international isolation.
- Coe responded by calling European leaders 'a bunch of cowards,' a remark he said was intended to defuse tension.
- Coe drank two glasses of Lukashenko's signature vodka during the meeting.
- Coe reportedly poured the remaining portions of vodka on the floor to remain sober.
- Coe stated that humor is an effective diplomatic tool, helping to reduce tension and prevent the other party from perceiving him as a threat.
- The meeting contributed to improved relations between Belarus and the West.
- Coe and Lukashenko discussed the possibility of opening a U.S. embassy in Minsk and a potential visit by Lukashenko to the United States.
Points of divergence
- Coe used a more vulgar expression than 'a bunch of cowards' in the original statement. — vm
- Coe's visit to Minsk began in September 2025 and was part of ongoing efforts to normalize relations and resolve the political crisis between Belarus and the West. — kommersant
- Coe indicated a possible new visit to Minsk in June 2026. — kommersant
- The discussion about opening a U.S. embassy in Minsk was part of the April conversation between Coe and Lukashenko. — vesti
- In May, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the release of three Poles and two Moldovans from detention in Russia and Belarus, and thanked Lukashenko for cooperation. — vm
Coverage (4 sources)
- US Special Envoy Joked, Drank Vodka, and Criticized Europe at Meeting with Lukashenko — Вечерняя Москва
- Trump's special envoy Coul told how he called EU leaders cowards at meeting with Lukashenko — Коммерсантъ
- US special envoy to Belarus John Cole told NYT in interview that on first meeting with Lukashenko in 2025... — ТАСС (Telegram)
- NYT: US special envoy criticized Europeans and joked at meeting with Lukashenko — Вести
Key entities
- Alexander Lukashenko
- John Cole
- USA
- Belarus
- NYT
- The New York Times
- Moscow
- EU
- United States
- Europe
- European Union
- Trumpa
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