Belarus to free 25 political prisoners in exchange for U.S. lifting sanctions on two companies

On September 15, U.S. special envoy for Belarus John Coale arrived in Minsk to discuss the release of political prisoners in exchange for the U.S. lifting sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom. Coale announced during his talks with President Alexander Lukashenko that the U.S. would release 25 prisoners as a "goodwill gesture," though he did not specify which individuals would be freed.

Coale emphasized their commitment to improving U.S.-Belarus relations and pledged to secure the release of more individuals in the near future, stating, "We are not finished!" The U.S. envoy's visit followed a stop in Vilnius, where he met with Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys to discuss similar matters. Coale had previously stated that the U.S. had already secured the release of 500 prisoners in Belarus, while President Lukashenko had pardoned another 200 people.