His Excellency Edgars Rinkēvičs
President of the Republic of Latvia
Dear Mr. President,
On behalf of the Belarus Democratic Forum, we respectfully request that you officially nominate U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Special Envoy John P. Coale for the Nobel Peace Prize. This nomination recognizes their exceptional leadership in resolving one of Europe’s most acute humanitarian crises, facilitating the release of political prisoners in Belarus, and neutralizing hybrid threats that directly affected Latvia and the EU border.
Through President Trump’s leadership, critical de-escalation was achieved across multiple conflicts: Armenia–Azerbaijan, Congo–Rwanda, India–Pakistan, Cambodia–Thailand, Serbia–Kosovo, Israel–Iran, Egypt–Ethiopia, and Gaza. For Latvia, the U.S. President’s role is uniquely vital in overcoming the humanitarian crisis and neutralizing hybrid attacks emanating from Belarus.
While the situation in Belarus remained stagnant for years, President Trump achieved tangible progress where previous diplomatic efforts failed. In 2025, the release of over 300 political prisoners was secured primarily through his personal intervention, following repeated appeals from 75 Nobel Laureates initiated by the Belarus Democratic Forum. John P. Coale, a distinguished attorney, utilized his remarkable diplomatic skill to transform this breakthrough into a systematic and sustainable process of change. These U.S.-led efforts also successfully neutralized hybrid attacks, including hazardous balloons and other provocations that threatened regional security and paralyzed critical transport networks along the Belarus–Latvia border.
Having appealed to over 150 global leaders, we urge you to nominate them by January 31, 2026. In the year of the U.S. 250th Anniversary, a nomination from Latvia would carry profound symbolic weight.
Formal recognition of these achievements will provide the critical momentum needed to free all remaining political prisoners in Belarus and ensure the safe return of 500,000 refugees, directly relieving pressure on Latvia’s border and infrastructure, while strengthening the security of the broader Baltic region.
The people and political prisoners of Belarus deeply appreciate Latvia’s support and commitment to democracy.
With highest consideration,
Dr. Valery Tsepkalo
Founder and CEO, Belarus Hi-Tech Park, Ambassador of Belarus to the United States (1997–2002), Former First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Candidate, 2020
Dmitry Bolkunets
Secretary General, Belarus Democratic Forum