In brief
Belarus has freed 52 political prisoners, including trade union leaders and journalists, in a deal with the US that involves the easing of sanctions on the Belarusian airline, Belavia. The move follows Lukashenko's meeting with a US envoy and comes amid military tensions in the region, signaling a potential thaw in Belarus's international relations.
Dozens of political prisoners have been freed from Belarusian prisons as part of a deal between authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko and US President Donald Trump.
Fifty-two prisoners have been released, including trade union leaders, journalists, and activists, but more than 1,000 political prisoners remain in jail.
In exchange, the US has said it will relieve some sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, allowing it to buy parts for its airplanes.
The prisoner release came on the eve of joint military exercises involving Belarus and close ally Russia, after what neighboring Poland called an unprecedented Russian drone incursion into its airspace.
Poland is closing its borders with Belarus due to the Zapad-2025 drills, which continue until Tuesday. Latvia has also closed part of its airspace.
Russia's foreign ministry condemned Poland's actions, with the EU's foreign policy chief asserting that 'Putin is mocking the efforts' of the West.
Lukashenko, who has led Belarus since 1994, described the prisoner release as a humanitarian gesture after meeting with Trump special envoy, John Coale, in Minsk.
The two discussed ways to re-establish trade relations, including reopening the US embassy in Minsk, which was closed in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus is keen on improving ties with the US, having faced numerous Western sanctions over its association with Russia.
Among the released prisoners are prominent figures like philosopher Vladimir Matskevich and journalist Igor Losik. However, many of the released individuals were forced into exile as part of the deal.
Human rights organizations report these releases as part of a broader pattern aimed at softening Belarus's relationship with the EU and the US, with a total of 314 prisoners released since July 2023.
This latest development reflects an ongoing, complex geopolitical dynamic as Belarus navigates pressures from both Western nations and its ties with Russia.
