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Belarus frees 123 prisoners in US-brokered deal
Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, following negotiations with a U.S. envoy that led to the lifting of key sanctions. The agreement marks a significant shift in Washington's approach to Minsk, drawing criticism from European allies.
Key figures among those released
Kolesnikova, detained since 2020 and held largely in isolation, was freed as part of the deal. Her sister, Tatiana Khomich, confirmed the news after speaking with her via video call. "She is free, she looks fine, she looks good," Khomich told the BBC, adding that Kolesnikova expressed gratitude to both the U.S. administration and the Belarusian government for the negotiations.
Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was also among those released. A group of former prisoners is expected to arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, shortly, where supporters have gathered outside the U.S. embassy.
Sanctions lifted on Belarusian potash exports
The U.S. agreed to remove restrictions on Belarusian potash, a critical fertilizer ingredient and a major export for the country. John Coale, President Donald Trump's special envoy for Belarus, announced the immediate lifting of sanctions during talks in Minsk. "As relations between the two countries normalize, more and more sanctions will be lifted," Coale said, according to Belarusian state media.
The move is seen as a diplomatic victory for President Alexander Lukashenko, whose government has faced years of international isolation. The EU and U.S. had previously refused to recognize Lukashenko's leadership following disputed elections in 2020, which sparked mass protests and a violent crackdown by authorities.
U.S. policy shift draws European criticism
The deal represents a major departure from the Western strategy of isolating Belarus, particularly after its role in Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine from its territory and launched missiles from its soil, prompting tighter sanctions from the U.S. and EU.
Coale also revealed discussions with Lukashenko about Ukraine, exploring how Minsk could assist in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S. shift has placed it at odds with Europe, where leaders continue to advocate for a hardline approach of sanctions and isolation.
Lukashenko's regime gains diplomatic leverage
The prisoner release and sanctions relief strengthen Lukashenko's position, both domestically and internationally. The authoritarian leader has faced sustained pressure since the 2020 protests, which saw hundreds arrested and ongoing political repression. The U.S. decision to engage with Minsk could further strain transatlantic relations, as European officials view the move as undermining collective efforts to hold Lukashenko accountable.
What's next
The first group of released prisoners is expected to arrive in Vilnius within hours, where they will be greeted by supporters. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Belarus are likely to continue discussions on further sanctions relief and potential cooperation on regional security issues, including the war in Ukraine.
