Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners Including EU, Foreign Nationals

Belarus has released 52 political prisoners, including veteran dissident Mikola Statkevich and EU staff member Mikalai Khilo, in a move credited largely to U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts. The prisoners safely crossed into Lithuania, though Statkevich notably refused to enter Lithuania immediately, highlighting ongoing political complexities. EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas expressed gratitude to Trump and relief over the prisoners' release, emphasizing the positive diplomatic impact. Among those freed were several foreign nationals, including citizens from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany, France, and the UK. Despite the release, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stressed that over 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarus, calling for continued pressure for their freedom. The U.S. also lifted sanctions on Belarus's state airline Belavia in conjunction with the release.