Belarus has released a total of 123 prisoners as part of an agreement with the United States, including notable figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and prominent opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava. The release, announced on December 13, 2025, follows discussions that reportedly involved U.S. sanctions relief for Belarusian potash exports.
In a statement, Belarusian government officials indicated that the freed individuals faced charges related to “espionage, terrorism, and extremism.” Among those released, 114 prisoners were transferred to Ukraine, while the remaining nine, including Bialiatski, were sent to Lithuania. This significant move marks a pivotal moment in Belarus-U.S. relations, as U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to lift sanctions on the Belarusian potash industry, particularly affecting the state-owned company Belaruskali.
Details of the Releases
The U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus, John Coale, spoke to reporters in Minsk, emphasizing that the aim of lifting sanctions is to foster improved relations between the U.S. and Belarus. Coale noted that “more sanctions will be lifted” in the future, contingent on further progress in negotiations.
Among the released political prisoners, both Bialiatski and Kalesnikava have been key figures in the opposition against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. After Bialiatski’s release, he articulated the profound significance of his freedom, stating, “being released means meeting with family, meeting with friends and continuing my work as a human rights defender.”
Kalesnikava, who previously managed the campaign of imprisoned candidate Viktar Babaryka, was seen celebrating her release at the Ukrainian border. She was reunited with Babaryka and fellow activist Maxim Znak, who were also former prisoners.
Reactions and Implications
The release of these political prisoners is viewed as a crucial development in Belarus’s ongoing political landscape. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, another prominent opposition leader, welcomed Bialiatski’s return, underscoring the commitment of the opposition to continue advocating for democratic reforms in Belarus.
This agreement highlights the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly in the context of sanctions and human rights. As the U.S. seeks to navigate its relations with Belarus, the implications of lifting sanctions could significantly impact the Belarusian economy, which relies heavily on exports of potash, a key agricultural product.
The release of these prisoners not only changes the lives of those directly involved but also reflects broader geopolitical shifts. As these developments unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how they influence future negotiations and the overall political climate in Belarus.
