Belarus has released 123 political prisoners after the United States agreed to lift sanctions on key Belarusian export goods, marking another significant shift in U.S. policy.
On Saturday, 13 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Belarusian authorities released 123 prisoners, including Maria Kolesnikova, a leading Belarusian opposition activist, and Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, following the U.S. agreement to lift sanctions on Belarusian goods.
This move followed negotiations in Minsk between John Cole, the U.S. special envoy to Belarus appointed by President Donald Trump, and Belarusian officials, resulting in the U.S. agreeing to lift sanctions on potash, a key component in fertilizer production and an important Belarusian export.
Cole stated, "As relations between the two countries normalize, more sanctions will be progressively lifted."
Kolesnikova had been imprisoned since 2020, mostly in solitary confinement. After her release, Tatiana Komich, her sister who tirelessly campaigned for her freedom, communicated with Kolesnikova via video call.
"She is free now, she is well and looks good," Komich said, adding she eagerly anticipates embracing her sister again.
According to the Ukrainian Prisoner of War Coordination Center, Kolesnikova and 113 other prisoners were transferred to Ukraine. After receiving necessary medical care, they will be sent to Poland and Lithuania.
This agreement represents a major success for Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who expressed gratitude that the United States helped end his country's isolation.
Previously, the European Union and the U.S. refused to recognize Lukashenko as Belarus's president following allegedly unfair elections five years ago, which triggered large street protests. Lukashenko responded with severe crackdowns, resulting in hundreds of arrests, including that of Kolesnikova.
The U.S. effort to engage with Belarus, a key Russian ally, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy and sets it at odds with Europe, which continues to pursue sanctions and isolation of Belarus.
Belarusian state media quoted Cole as saying potash sanctions would be lifted immediately. Cole also discussed Ukraine and Belarus's potential role in negotiations with Vladimir Putin, Russia's leader, with Lukashenko.
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Source:bbc