Story perspectives

Trump Thanks Lukashenko, Lifts Sanctions, Frees Detainees.

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump thanked President Aleksandr Lukashenko for cooperation on prisoner releases as the United States began lifting sanctions against Belarus.
President Donald Trump announced the release of three Polish, two Moldovan detainees from Belarusian and Russian custody.
President Donald Trump credited special envoy John Coale with facilitating releases and noted journalist Andrzej Poczobut’s freedom.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the journalist’s release was part of the April 28 swap.

History

Historical Context

After the March 2006 presidential election, deemed undemocratic by the OSCE, the United States imposed its first comprehensive sanctions on Belarus, targeting President Lukashenko, his circle and state firms. Following the similarly disputed 2020 vote, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced concerns and the U.S. began easing parts of those measures, a shift toward engagement after 2008 expulsions reduced the embassy staff to four.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump thanked President Aleksandr Lukashenko for cooperation on prisoner releases as the United States began lifting sanctions against Belarus.
President Donald Trump announced the release of three Polish, two Moldovan detainees from Belarusian and Russian custody.
President Donald Trump credited special envoy John Coale with facilitating releases and noted journalist Andrzej Poczobut’s freedom.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the journalist’s release was part of the April 28 swap.

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