Belarus to free 25 prisoners in exchange for easing U.S. sanctions
An envoy to President Trump says the release is part of a temporary arrangement in longer talks over sanctions relief.
Belarus has agreed to free 25 detainees in return for further easing of U.S. sanctions, an envoy to President Donald Trump said.
John Cole described the arrangement as part of a temporary deal. "We have agreed on a temporary deal and as a sign of goodwill, Belarus will release 25 people, and the United States will lift sanctions on two companies," Cole said.
Context of prolonged talks
The announcement came amid long-running negotiations in which Washington has pressed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to free hundreds of people — including human-rights activists, political activists, journalists and lawyers — in exchange for relief from sanctions and an end to international isolation.
Cole said the release of 25 prisoners and the lifting of sanctions on two firms are components of that broader process. He did not provide immediate details on the identities of those to be freed or the names of the companies whose restrictions would be removed.
Observers say any such arrangement would be notable because it links concrete humanitarian concessions to targeted sanctions relief. It was not immediately clear when the releases would take place or how the agreement will be implemented.
Neither Belarusian authorities nor U.S. officials provided further information at the time of the announcement.
Photo: Kabinetot na Lukashenko)
