US to lift sanctions on 2 Belarusian companies, Minsk to release 25 political prisoners

The United States will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies after Belarus agreed to release 25 political prisoners, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale, said after talks in Minsk.

Coale said the agreement was reached during negotiations with Belarusian officials and described the prisoner releases as a goodwill gesture, according to the independent Belarusian news outlet Zerkalo.

“As a goodwill gesture, Belarus will release 25 people. In return, the United States will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom,” Coale was quoted as saying by the Telegram channel Pul Pervogo, which is linked to Belarusian authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Coale also said the US delegation had completed its work in Belarus. The two sides discussed international issues, bilateral matters and other issues of mutual importance, and reached an interim agreement, he said.

“The parties will continue working to resolve the remaining issues,” Coale said. “When all the issues are resolved and agreed upon by both sides, additional people will be released and sanctions on Belarusian companies will be lifted.”

The announcement comes as Washington has sought to improve relations with Minsk while pressing for the release of political prisoners held by Lukashenko’s government.

Belarus has faced extensive Western sanctions over its crackdown on political opposition and civil society, as well as its support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.