Belarus frees over 100 political prisoners after Trump lifts sanctions
Belarus has released over 100 political prisoners, including one U.S. citizen, following the beginning of sanctions relief by the Trump administration on a key Belarusian export-potash, a fertilizer component. The release, which includes notable Belarusian activists such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski adn Maria Kolesnikova, was acknowledged as an crucial step in U.S.-Belarus diplomatic engagement. The freed prisoners also include six citizens from U.S. allied countries and five Ukrainians, whose release was appreciated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of ongoing efforts toward peace with Russia. The move followed discussions between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled sence 1994 and is known for cracking down on political dissent, and the U.S. special envoy for Belarus. Despite the release,over 1,000 political prisoners remain detained in Belarus.The U.S. has expressed willingness to continue diplomatic efforts to secure the freedom of remaining prisoners.
Belarus frees over 100 political prisoners including US citizen after Trump begins lifting sanctions
Belarus freed more than 100 political prisoners, including one U.S. citizen, on Saturday after President Donald Trump began lifting sanctions on a key Belarusian export.
“The latest release of 123 individuals, including one U.S. citizen, six citizens of U.S. Allies, and five Ukrainian citizens, is a significant milestone in U.S.-Belarus engagement,” a U.S. official said, per Politico. “The United States stands ready for additional engagement with Belarus that advances U.S. interests and will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to free remaining political prisoners in Belarus.”
TRUMP SLOWS BLEEDING OF INDEPENDENT VOTERS: WHITE HOUSE REPORT CARD
The U.S. citizen was not identified, but Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and political activist Maria Kolesnikova were among the Belarusian nationals released.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the U.S. and other allies for helping free five of his country’s citizens.
“We are helping our American partners so that the relevant support is provided to Ukraine,” Zelensky said on X as Ukraine works toward a peace agreement with Russia. “As needed, the special services of our European neighbors are also involved.”
“I have instructed the Defense Intelligence and all services represented in our Coordination Headquarters to maximize efforts on the Russian direction so that the release of Ukrainian POWs can take place before the New Year,” he added. “We remember all our people who still remain in Russian captivity. I thank everyone who is helping to bring Ukrainians home!”
TWO US SOLDIERS KILLED BY ISIS GUNMAN IN SYRIA, OTHERS WOUNDED
Saturday’s release of the political prisoners came after talks between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. special envoy for Belarus John Coale. The latter official said the Trump administration had lifted its sanctions on potash, a key fertilizer component.
Lukashenko, who has held the presidency in Belarus for over 30 years, has imprisoned hundreds of his opponents and critics since an election in 2020. Many activists argued it was rigged. There are over 1,000 political prisoners left in Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
