DST News: Belarus has released 123 detainees including prominent opposition figures following an agreement with the United States to ease economic sanctions.

Among those freed are opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Their release followed negotiations in Minsk involving a special envoy of US President Donald Trump. In return Washington agreed to lift sanctions on potash a key Belarusian export used in fertiliser production.

Kolesnikova who had spent more than four years in prison much of it in isolation described her release as a moment of deep joy while noting that many others remain behind bars. Bialiatski echoed the sentiment saying the struggle would continue as thousands remain imprisoned.

Most of the released prisoners were transferred to Ukraine before being sent on to Poland and Lithuania while a smaller group including Bialiatski arrived in Vilnius where they were welcomed by exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

The deal marks a diplomatic gain for Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko who has faced international isolation since disputed elections in 2020 and increased sanctions after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US move signals a shift in policy contrasting with Europe’s continued strategy of pressure and isolation.

Source: BBC