Belarus Releases Political Prisoners in Sanctions Bargain with US

Fri Oct 17 2025 11:02:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant diplomatic move, Belarus has released dozens of political prisoners as part of a deal with the United States, aimed at easing sanctions on the country's airline amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

Following a negotiation between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and US officials, fifty-two political prisoners have been released in exchange for the easing of some sanctions on Belarus. While this action may improve diplomatic relations, over 1,000 political prisoners remain imprisoned. The release aligns with ongoing military exercises involving Belarus and Russia, raising concerns among neighboring countries.

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 the Belarusian airline Belavia, allowing it to buy parts for its aircraft.

The prisoner release came on the eve of joint military exercises involving Belarus and ally Russia, and after what neighboring Poland described as an unprecedented Russian drone incursion into its airspace.

Poland is closing its borders with Belarus due to the Zapad-2025 drills, which last until Tuesday, while Latvia is restricting part of its airspace.

Russia's foreign ministry condemned Poland's actions that they termed "confrontational steps," and EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Putin is mocking the efforts made by the West.

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, characterized the release of the prisoners as a humanitarian move after meeting with the US special envoy John Coale in Minsk.

The two discussed steps to re-establish trade, including the potential reopening of the US embassy in Minsk, which was closed in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The US has indicated that sanctions lifted from Belavia are linked to the prisoner releases, particularly following an incident in 2021 where police arrested journalist Roman Protasevich after forcing his flight to land in Minsk.

Many of the political prisoners jailed during Lukashenko's oppressive regime have been incarcerated since 2020, following protests against a controversial election. These recent releases could suggest a strategic move to improve Belarus's relationships with both the US and EU amidst ongoing scrutiny.

Among those freed were notable figures such as philosopher Vladimir Matskevich, journalist Igor Losik, and senior opposition figure Mikola Statkevich. However, several individuals, including Statkevich, have opted to remain in Belarus rather than accept exile.

Julia Fenner, a UK-Belarus dual citizen and wife of a British diplomat, was also released; she was detained last year and had recently received a lengthy sentence.

While President Trump and his administration continue to seek improved relations with Belarus, the situation remains complex as the nation grapples with its ties to Russia amid Western sanctions.