Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners in US-Brokered Deal

Belarus released 52 political prisoners in a deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, which also involved the U.S. lifting sanctions on Belarus' national airline. Among those freed was Mikalai Khilo, an EU diplomatic staffer previously sentenced for allegedly insulting President Alexander Lukashenko. However, prominent opposition politician Mikola Statkevich and several activists refused to cross into Lithuania, choosing instead to remain in Belarus despite pressure to leave. Statkevich was seen in the no-man's land between Belarus and Lithuania but reportedly returned to Belarusian territory, highlighting the regime's harsh tactics and the complex dynamics of the prisoner release. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda credited Trump’s involvement for facilitating the release but emphasized that many political prisoners remain detained in Belarus. The move is part of Lukashenko’s broader attempts to ease Western sanctions and international isolation amid ongoing repression and Belarus' alliance with Russia.