Trump envoy: jokes with Lukashenko helped free over 500 political prisoners

John Cole, Donald Trump's envoy to Belarus, told The New York Times that his talks with Alexander Lukashenko involved jokes, alcohol and diet tips, and that winning the dictator's goodwill led to the release of over 500 political prisoners. Cole said humour proved to be a powerful diplomatic tool. He claims the informal rapport he built was key to securing the prisoners' freedom.