Story perspectives

Belarus Releases Political Prisoners Amid U.S. Sanction Relief

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Belarus released several political prisoners, including Maria Kolesnikova, Belarus opposition leader, and Ales Bialiatski, Nobel laureate, signaling concessions.
The U.S. lifted sanctions on potash fertilizer after talks between U.S. envoy John Coale and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Observers describe the move as evidence of a gradual improvement in U.S.-Belarus relations.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus opposition leader, warns that Lukashenko's policies have not changed and urges caution.

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Story summary

Belarus released several political prisoners, including Maria Kolesnikova, Belarus opposition leader, and Ales Bialiatski, Nobel laureate, signaling concessions.
The U.S. lifted sanctions on potash fertilizer after talks between U.S. envoy John Coale and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Observers describe the move as evidence of a gradual improvement in U.S.-Belarus relations.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus opposition leader, warns that Lukashenko's policies have not changed and urges caution.