Belarus US

In this photo released by Belarusian presidential press service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, and U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale talk during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, March 19, 2026.

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Belarus releases 250 political prisoners in a deal with the US to lift some sanctions

Belarus releases 250 political prisoners in a deal with the US to lift some sanctions

Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered the release of 250 prisoners as part of a deal with Washington to lift some U.S. sanctions, the latest step in the isolated leader’s effort to improve ties with the West. Lukashenko on Thursday pardoned the prisoners after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale. Coale hailed the release as a “significant humanitarian milestone” and a testament to Trump’s “commitment to direct, hard-nosed diplomacy.”