Story perspectives

Lukashenko Discusses Political Prisoners with U.S. Envoy

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with U.S. envoy John Coale to discuss the release of political prisoners.
Lukashenko cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to free up to 1,400 individuals he described as “hostages.”
The human rights group Viasna reports 167 new political prisoners despite previous releases.
U.S. officials view the engagement as a strategy to reduce Belarus's ties with Russia.
Lithuania faces disruptions from smuggler balloons linked to Belarus.

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Story summary

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with U.S. envoy John Coale to discuss the release of political prisoners.
Lukashenko cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to free up to 1,400 individuals he described as “hostages.”
The human rights group Viasna reports 167 new political prisoners despite previous releases.
U.S. officials view the engagement as a strategy to reduce Belarus's ties with Russia.
Lithuania faces disruptions from smuggler balloons linked to Belarus.