Overview:
On December 13, 2025, Belarus released 123 prisoners, including prominent political activists, opposition leaders, and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, following the United States’ easing of sanctions on Belarusian potash exports. The move is part of ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Belarus and follows earlier releases in November 2025. While the releases are seen as a short-term humanitarian victory, analysts and human rights organizations warn that ongoing political repression and arbitrary arrests in Belarus may continue. The U.S. hopes the action signals a thaw in bilateral relations, but the European Union maintains its sanctions, keeping pressure on Belarus over human rights abuses and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Release of Belarusian Prisoners as U.S. Sanctions Change
On December 13, 2025, 123 prisoners were released from Belarusian custody. This is said to have happened because the US lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, which are a major part of the Belarusian economy (Reuters).
The history of talks between the U.S. and Belarus
This comes after talks that took place in November 2025. During those talks, some prisoners were released in exchange for lifting specific sanctions on Belarusian entities and assets. However, reports that “Bellavia Airlines sanctions” were lifted during these talks could not be independently confirmed.
Notable Releases
Among those freed are a Nobel laureate, human rights activists, and prominent opposition figures.
Profiles of Key Prisoners
- Ales Bialiatski was arrested in July 2021 for speaking out against Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. He was charged with paying for protests and tax-related crimes, and later found guilty of “hiding income on a large scale.” In March 2023, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize was sentenced to ten years in prison after decades of work to promote democracy and human rights.Bialiatski is also the founder of Viasna, a human rights organization assisting political prisoners (Viasna).
- Maria Kolesnikova led protests following Belarus’ disputed 2020 presidential election. She resisted forced exile by tearing up her passport and ultimately served an 11-year prison sentence.
- Viktar Babaryka, a former presidential candidate in 2020, was arrested prior to the election commission’s registration. He was officially charged with bribery and money laundering, though opposition groups and international observers widely consider his arrest politically motivated.
- Maxim Znak, a lawyer and opposition figure who worked on Babaryka’s campaign, was arrested in September 2020. He faced charges of “conspiracy to seize power” and “extremism” and was sentenced to ten years in prison alongside other activists.
- Valyantsin Stefanovich, deputy chair of Viasna, was arrested in 2021 for alleged smuggling. He was also accused of “financing group actions that grossly violate public order” and received a nine-year sentence concurrently with Bialiatski and Kolesnikova.
Many intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), including the United Nations Human Rights Council, the OSCE, and the European Union, have described these arrests as arbitrary and politically motivated, citing reports of torture and other human rights abuses (UN).
International Concerns and Diplomacy
John Coale, the U.S. special envoy to Belarus, facilitated talks between the United States and Belarus. He has indicated that further easing of sanctions could follow if relations improve and more political prisoners are released (Reuters).
The European Union continues to maintain sanctions on Belarus. These measures were imposed due to Belarus’ support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and human rights violations. Analysts and opposition leaders in exile say that just lifting U.S. sanctions may not stop ongoing repression or arbitrary arrests. They point out that there is no guarantee that future detainees won’t be sent into exile or prison.
Conclusion and Broader Implications
The U.S. warming of relations with Belarus shows how complicated the reasons are for both sides. Critics say that the lack of broader policy changes limits the long-term impact of the prisoner releases, which are a short-term humanitarian victory.
The U.S. could lose the power that sanctions gave it, which could make it less powerful in future negotiations.
The European Union is still careful and is keeping an eye on Belarus’s human rights record and keeping its sanctions in place.
Some people call President Lukashenko “Europe’s last dictator,” and the deal may give him more power. It also helps the important potash industry in Belarus, which could help the people of Belarus, though this is still up for debate.
If the U.S. and Belarus had a normal relationship, Belarus might not need Russia as much. Right now, Belarus needs Russia’s help with its economy, energy, security, defense, and political legitimacy.
Sources
- Reuters | Belarus releases 123 prisoners
- Financial Express | John Coale, U.S. special envoy
- Viasna | Political prisoners
- United Nations | Human rights reports on Belarus
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Disclaimer: This article reports on the release of prisoners in Belarus and related U.S. sanctions. It includes official charges, human rights assessments, and expert analyses. Some statements reflect claims or interpretations from governments, NGOs, or media reports and may be subject to debate. Presence News does not take a position on the political views of individuals or governments mentioned.
