Олександр Лукашенко (Фото: EPA/MIKHAIL METZEL)
The administration of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko is engaged in discussions with U.S. diplomats regarding the release of additional political prisoners in exchange for reduced sanctions. This information was reported by Rzeczpospolita, citing three independent sources.
According to these sources, the talks involve freeing a “larger number” of detainees who may be deported to a European nation. They mentioned that approximately 1,300 individuals were referenced in the negotiations—a figure aligning with current estimates from the banned human rights organization Wiosna.
Legal representative Pavel Sapelka emphasized that around 30 prisoners face life-threatening health conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.
“These individuals could perish in custody at any moment. The list of those with severe health issues includes 190 names,” he told Rzeczpospolita.
Insiders noted that Belarus aims to secure the removal of sanctions against Belavia Airlines, imposed after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in 2021 and the arrest of former NEXTA editor Roman Protasevich, as well as against the Soligorsk-based firm Belaruskali.
One interlocutor suggested Lukashenko seeks to cultivate favorable ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, motivated by a desire to “end international isolation.”
- On June 21, U.S. special envoy Kellogg met with Lukashenko in Minsk, following which opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovsky was released from prison.
- On August 15, Trump described his discussion with Lukashenko as “terrific,” referring to him as the “highly respected President of Belarus.” He acknowledged the dictator for freeing 16 detainees and discussed potential releases for 1,300 others.
Олександр лукашенкополітв’язнісанкціїБІЛОРУСЬ
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