Belarus Frees Nobel Winner, Political Prisoners After U.S. Eases Sanctions

Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that led to the lifting of sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential shift in Belarus's international relations and its approach to political dissent.

Belarus has freed 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of sanctions against the country. This release has been celebrated by supporters and marks a significant moment in Belarus's political landscape.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced the release of 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, following negotiations with a U.S. envoy that resulted in the lifting of certain U.S. sanctions on Belarus. This significant move occurred after two days of discussions aimed at improving diplomatic relations.

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential shift in Belarus's international relations and has been celebrated by supporters of the released prisoners.

Belarus has pardoned 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, as part of a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and the U.S.

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, following a US-brokered deal that also involved a partial lifting of Western sanctions against the country. This significant move was confirmed by rights groups and state media on December 13, 2025.

Belarus has released a Nobel Prize laureate and other prominent political prisoners as the United States lifts sanctions against the country. This move signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk, with U.S. officials expressing a desire to normalize diplomatic ties.

Tensions are rising between the U.S. and Europe regarding strategies to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war, as highlighted by a discussion between NPR's Rob Schmitz and international relations expert Nathalie Tocci from Johns Hopkins University. Tocci emphasizes the differing political perspectives that are fueling this divide.