In a significant turn of events for the Belarusian opposition, several prominent figures, including the well-known opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski, were released from prison on Saturday. This release was made possible through a diplomatic deal facilitated by U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg. Tsikhanouski's wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who emerged as a key opposition figure following her husband's arrest, shared a heartfelt video on social media platform X, where she embraced Tsikhanouski and expressed her gratitude towards U.S. authorities for their support.
Reports indicate that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko granted pardons to a number of prisoners after a meeting with Kellogg earlier in the week. Tsikhanouski, a prominent blogger turned political leader, had been imprisoned since May 2020 after challenging Lukashenko in the controversial 2020 elections. His arrest sparked widespread protests across Belarus, although these movements did not lead to a change in leadership.
Following Lukashenko's declaration of victory in the disputed 2020 elections, Tsikhanouskaya was forced into exile in Lithuania. She has been an outspoken advocate for democracy and human rights in Belarus. In her remarks to POLITICO, Tsikhanouskaya stated, “The release of Tsikhanouski is a step toward freedom for all of Belarus.” She expressed profound appreciation for the international support received, thanking President Trump, the U.S. State Department, and General Kellogg, along with Lithuania and other EU nations, emphasizing that their assistance was crucial for this development.
In addition to Tsikhanouski, other notable figures released include journalist Igor Karney and academic Natalia Dulina, as reported by the Russian media outlet RBC. Kellogg’s visit to Belarus aimed not only to secure the release of political prisoners but also to foster improved relations between Belarus and the West. This diplomatic effort is part of a broader strategy to create a more favorable environment for peace negotiations concerning the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
As the situation in Belarus unfolds, international reactions are intense. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East are also escalating, with an Iranian official warning the U.S. against joining Israel in military actions, which they deem "very dangerous." Israel recently conducted airstrikes on an Iranian nuclear research facility, leading to the deaths of three senior Iranian commanders.
In related developments, European nations are taking precautionary measures in response to the deteriorating situation in Israel. Germany evacuated 64 citizens on Friday, while Ireland closed its embassy in Tehran, relocating staff due to safety concerns. Moreover, Sweden is considering a EU fireworks ban to combat rising gang violence, highlighting the growing use of pyrotechnics as weapons in urban areas.
