On Saturday, Belarus took a significant step towards political reform by releasing more than 100 political prisoners, including notable figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and prominent activist Maria Kolesnikova. This decision came after the United States agreed to lift certain sanctions imposed on the country, a move seen as a catalyst for improved diplomatic relations.
In total, Belarus released 123 prisoners following discussions between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale. Among those freed was Viktar Babaryka, a former opposition presidential candidate, highlighting the ongoing changes in Belarus's political landscape.
As part of the agreement, the United States has decided to lift sanctions on potash, a crucial component in fertilizer production and a vital export for Belarus, which has long been a historical ally of Russia. Coale remarked, "I think this is a very good step by the U.S. toward Belarus," during a press briefing in Minsk. He indicated that as relations between the U.S. and Belarus continue to normalize, more sanctions will likely be lifted in the future.
The release of these political prisoners, which included one U.S. citizen and several individuals from allied nations and Ukraine, signifies a pivotal moment in U.S.-Belarus engagement, according to a U.S. official. The United States remains open to further diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing its interests in the region and is committed to securing the release of remaining political prisoners in Belarus.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the U.S. for its pivotal role in facilitating the release of prisoners. "Thanks to the active role of the United States and the cooperation of our intelligence agencies, around one hundred people are regaining their freedom now, including five Ukrainians," he stated in a social media post.
Kolesnikova had been serving an 11-year prison sentence since her conviction four years ago for attempting to seize power illegally. Coale has previously assisted in the release of over 50 political prisoners earlier this year and has been tasked with negotiating the release of more detainees. According to human rights organization Viasna, over 1,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus.
Coale expressed optimism for the future, stating that the remaining political prisoners "could be released, hopefully in one big group, in the coming months." He emphasized the positive momentum in negotiations, saying, "I think it’s more than possible that we can do that; I think it’s probable." This sentiment reflects the U.S. president's ongoing interest in engaging with Lukashenko and enhancing relations between the two nations.
Following Coale's last meeting with Lukashenko in September, Belarus had already released over 50 prisoners. In return, the U.S. lifted some sanctions on the country’s national airline, demonstrating a reciprocal approach to diplomatic engagement. The evolving situation in Belarus is closely watched as it presents opportunities for further dialogue and political reform.
As the U.S. continues to advocate for human rights and the release of political prisoners, the international community remains hopeful for a more democratic and open Belarus.