In brief
Belarus has announced the release of 123 prisoners, a group that includes prominent opposition leaders, following negotiations with US officials. This decision comes as the US lifts sanctions related to Belarus's potash exports, which have been crucial to its economy. Among the released is Maria Kolesnikova, a leading figure in the opposition movement, who has faced imprisonment since 2020. The change in US policy signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk, with expectations for further reductions in sanctions as the political climate evolves.
Belarus has freed 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, after the US agreed to lift sanctions on the Eastern European country.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski is also among those who have been freed following talks in Minsk with US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Belarus, John Coale.
The US has agreed to lift sanctions on potash, a key ingredient in fertiliser and an important export for the country whose president, Alexander Lukashenko, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Coale stated: As relations between the two countries normalise, more and more sanctions will be lifted. The EU has not recognised Lukashenko as president.
Kolesnikova has been in prison since 2020, most of the time in isolation.
Her sister, Tatiana, who campaigned tirelessly for her release was able to speak to her by video call soon after and confirmed the news to the BBC.
A group of those released are expected in Lithuania's capital Vilnius shortly. A crowd is gathering outside the US embassy.
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