Belarus agrees to release 25 prisoners in exchange for US lifting sanctions

Belarus released 25 political prisoners in exchange for the U.S. easing sanctions against two Belarusian companies, according to U.S. special envoy John Coale. The prisoner release occurred on September 16, the same day Coale arrived in Minsk to negotiate with the Lukashenko regime. Coale announced the gesture of goodwill on social media, expressing gratitude to Lithuania for its support in hosting the freed individuals.

The U.S. will also lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies: Lakokraska, a state-owned entity in the wood and paper industry, and Bellesbumprom, a paint and varnish manufacturer. Both entities are currently sanctioned by Ukraine and the U.S. The identities of the released prisoners and their destination country remain undisclosed.

Belarusian human rights NGO Viasna estimated that Belarus held 889 political prisoners as of the end of August, with 185 deemed particularly vulnerable due to health, age, or detention conditions.

Coale stated that further prisoner releases are in progress and that the U.S. aims to secure additional releases in the near future. He emphasized that the deal with Minsk may extend beyond prisoner releases, potentially including sanctions relief and the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In March, Coale expressed interest in normalizing relations with Belarus, stating that the U.S. would like to "realize the goal of normalizing the relationship… the things that normal countries do between themselves."