SPORTS · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
US and Belarus Reach Deal on Sanctions and Prisoner Releases
WHY IT MATTERS
The prisoner releases and lifting of sanctions mark a significant step towards improving US-Belarus relations, which could have far-reaching implications for regional security and the fate of Belarus's political opposition.
What happened
In a breakthrough diplomatic move, the United States has agreed to lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, in exchange for the release of 25 political prisoners. The deal was announced by John Coale, Donald Trump's special envoy for Belarus, following talks in Minsk with Alexander Lukashenko.
Coale stated that the US will continue to work on improving relations with Belarus and securing the release of more prisoners in the near future.
The agreement comes after the US had already secured the release of 500 prisoners in Belarus, with Lukashenko pardoning an additional 200 people in late August.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Belarus to free 25 political prisoners in exchange for U.S. lifting sanctions on two companies
Meduza · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply