Belarus frees 123 political prisoners in rare 2025 reconciliation move
The year 2025 marked a turning point for both the United States and Belarus. In Washington, Donald Trump’s return to the presidency reshaped global politics. Meanwhile, in Minsk, a long-awaited shift brought cautious optimism as President Alexander Lukaschenko took unexpected steps toward reconciliation with the opposition.
For years, Belarusians had faced growing disillusionment after the failed 2020 revolution. But 2025 brought a glimmer of change. On December 13, Lukaschenko ordered the release of 123 political prisoners, including well-known opposition figures like Maryja Kalesnikawa, Ales Bjaljazki, and Viktor Babariko. The move came as part of negotiations with the US, which agreed to ease sanctions on Belarusian potash exports in exchange.
While no single politico dominated the headlines, Nikolai Statkevich stood out for his persistent advocacy. Alongside others, he kept the push for democratic reforms alive, even as many had given up hope. The prisoner releases, though limited, signalled a rare concession from a government long resistant to compromise. The timing of these events coincided with broader geopolitical shifts. Trump’s return to the White House altered US foreign policy, creating new pressures and opportunities for negotiations. Belarus, often caught between Western sanctions and Russian influence, found itself in a moment of unexpected leverage.
The release of political prisoners in Belarus offered a small but tangible sign of progress after years of repression. For many, it was the first real indication that change, however slow, might still be possible. The year ended with a fragile sense of momentum—one that will depend on how both Minsk and Washington navigate the months ahead.
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