Belarus has released 123 prisoners following a significant diplomatic move by the United States. The release came after Washington lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, a key sector of the country’s economy. The decision has drawn global attention due to its political and humanitarian impact.
Among those released were prominent figures, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova. According to officials, ** Belarus Freed ** prisoners also included several Ukrainian citizens. Some had been accused of cooperating with Ukrainian intelligence agencies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that five Ukrainians were among those released.
The prisoner release marked the largest such move under President Alexander Lukashenko in recent years. It followed renewed talks between Minsk and Washington that reportedly began earlier this year. Observers say the timing suggests a direct link between diplomacy and the decision to free detainees.
Authorities said the released prisoners will receive medical care. Belarusian citizens who wish to leave the country may be transferred to Poland or Lithuania. Ukraine’s prisoner coordination center shared details about transport and support arrangements.
The breakthrough followed the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on potash, one of Belarus’s most important exports. Potash is widely used in fertilizer production and plays a major role in global agriculture. U.S. special envoy John Coale confirmed the sanctions removal after two days of talks with Lukashenko in Minsk.
Officials in Washington described the move as part of a broader strategy. The goal is to improve relations with Belarus and reduce its dependence on Russia. Analysts say economic engagement could give Minsk more diplomatic options.
International reactions were mixed but largely cautious. Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the development and said sanctions pressure helped secure the release. She also noted differences between U.S. humanitarian measures and EU policies aimed at deeper political change.
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Western governments have refused to recognize Lukashenko as Belarus’s legitimate leader since the disputed 2020 election. Sanctions have isolated Belarus while Russia remained its main ally. Despite concerns, ** Belarus Freed ** prisoners has been seen as a rare positive step. Many observers believe ** Belarus Freed ** detainees could signal limited but meaningful diplomatic progress.
