The Belarusian government has released 123 prisoners, including the renowned Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and prominent opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava, as part of an agreement with the United States. This development, announced on December 13, 2025, also coincides with the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, a vital part of the country’s economy.
According to Belarusian officials, the prisoners were previously held on charges related to “espionage, terrorism, and extremism.” The release is seen as a significant step towards improving relations between Belarus and the U.S., particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump. As part of this agreement, U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale confirmed that sanctions against Belaruskali, one of Belarus’s largest state-owned companies, will be lifted.
Details of the Release
Of those released, 114 prisoners were transferred to Ukraine, while the remaining nine, including Bialiatski, were moved to Lithuania. The Ukrainian government reported that Kalesnikava was seen arriving at the Ukrainian border shortly after her release, joyfully reuniting with Viktar Babaryka and Maxim Znak, both of whom were also formerly imprisoned. Babaryka had been incarcerated during the controversial 2020 presidential elections, where he aimed to challenge President Alexander Lukashenko. Kalesnikava, who served as his campaign manager, took over his role after his arrest.
Bialiatski, speaking from Lithuania, expressed his relief at being free, stating, “Being released means meeting with family, meeting with friends and continuing my work as a human rights defender.” His release marks a pivotal moment in Belarus’s ongoing political landscape, where opposition figures have faced significant repression.
International Reactions
The releases have sparked various reactions internationally. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, another key opposition leader, welcomed the return of Bialiatski, describing it as a hopeful sign for those advocating for democracy and human rights in Belarus. As the situation develops, observers note that the lifting of sanctions may also encourage further dialogues between the U.S. and Belarusian authorities.
The agreement highlights the complex interplay between international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, as sanctions relief is often tied to the treatment of political prisoners. The release of Bialiatski and Kalesnikava is a notable instance of how international pressure and negotiation can lead to tangible changes in the treatment of political dissidents.
As this situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on the implications for Belarus’s political future and the ongoing struggle for democracy in the region. The actions taken by both the Belarusian government and the U.S. may set important precedents for international relations and human rights advocacy worldwide.
