Belarus released 52 prisoners in exchange for easing US sanctions

At a meeting with Alexander Lukashenko, American lawyer John Quail reported that Donald Trump expressed interest in restoring the work of the US embassy in Minsk. The signing of Trump’s letter, presented to Lukashenko, simply with the name “Donald,” became a “rare gesture of personal friendship.”

Statements by Lukashenko

Lukashenko, noting the message about Trump’s readiness to accept all released prisoners, stated:

“If Donald insists on this, let’s try to reach a global agreement — as Trump likes to say, it will be a big deal.”

The President of Belarus also praised Trump for his efforts in promoting a peace agreement on Ukraine.

He emphasized the need to support Trump in his mission to establish peace, mentioning that Trump allegedly resolved six or seven global conflicts. Lukashenko, who has been in power in Belarus for more than three decades, added that he does not intend to release “criminals” who may threaten the country.

Relations between countries

These events occur at a critical moment in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine — right after Poland shot down suspicious Russian drones over its territory, and in the midst of joint military exercises by Russia and Belarus.

Belarus borders three NATO countries and Ukraine. Lukashenko allowed Putin to use his territory for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, but Belarusian troops are not directly involved in the conflict.

Analysis by human rights activists

Vytis Jurkonis, a human rights activist and director of Freedom House in Vilnius, noted that Lukashenko uses prisoners as a means of leverage.

“He is testing his maneuvering abilities, as he does not have many alternatives for trading with the West, while continuing to arrest new prisoners,” he stated.

Jurkonis added that Lukashenko’s liberation activities only create the illusion of changes in Belarus. Genuine changes are possible only if the repression in the country ceases, exiles are allowed to return, and Russian troops are withdrawn.

The fact of forced detention

Lukashenko himself denies the presence of political prisoners in Belarus, claiming that all those convicted are “criminals who chose their fate.” Such a statement highlights the contrast between the official position and the real state of affairs with human rights in the country.