Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko 123 prisoners were released on Saturday after negotiations involving a US envoy.
The move followed renewed diplomatic contacts between Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and Washington.
The released group included prominent political prisoners who were imprisoned for long periods following the 2020 unrest in Belarus, Reuters reports.
The release followed two days of discussions in Minsk involving a representative of the president Donald Trump. In return, Washington agreed to ease sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, Reuters reports.
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High-ranking prisoners released
Among the freedmen was Ales Bialiatskya winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and an accomplished advocate for human rights. Authorities had imprisoned him since mid-2021 for his activism. His detention drew sustained criticism from Western governments, Reuters reports.
Authorities also released Maria Kalesnikavaa central figure in mass demonstrations against Lukashenko’s rule in 2020. She became a symbol of opposition resistance after security forces arrested her during the crackdown.
Former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka was also among the freedmen. He was arrested while preparing an election challenge against Lukashenko.
US policy change on sanctions
US officials confirmed that the government would lift restrictions on Belarusian potash shipments. Potash remains vital to global fertilizer markets and a key export for Belarus, Reuters reports.
The policy adjustment marked Washington’s biggest concession to Minsk in years. Officials framed the move as part of a broader diplomatic effort.
Opposition response and humanitarian focus
Tatsiana KhomichKalesnikava’s sister, told reporters that she spoke to her after her release. Kalesnikava said she was grateful for international efforts in support of her freedom.
Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the humanitarian outcome but urged Europe to keep the pressure intact. She said targeted sanctions have contributed to the release of prisoners.
Strategic calculations in Washington
U.S. officials said the involvement aims to reduce Belarus’ dependence on the Russian president Vladimir Putin. Belarus has remained a close ally of Moscow throughout Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump has publicly described Lukashenko as “the highly respected president of Belarus,” Reuters adds. The comment angered the opposition, which branded him an authoritarian ruler.
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