Reuters: US And Lukashenko's Regime Discuss Release Of About 100 Political Prisoners

• 26.11.2025, 15:05

Among the key players in the negotiations is John Cole.

The administration of US President Donald Trump and the Belarusian authorities are negotiating the possible imminent release of at least 100 political prisoners by Minsk. This is according to Reuters, citing three sources.

Since Trump came to power, Lukashenko's regime has released several dozen political prisoners. However, Washington is seeking the largest single release as part of its ongoing rapprochement with Minsk.

Reuters notes that the US sees the dialog as part of a "broader strategy to gradually remove Minsk from Moscow's orbit." Among the key participants in the talks is John Cole, Trump's recently appointed special envoy for Belarus.

The White House declined to comment on a possible timeline for the release. An administration spokesman said only that the United States is "ready for further engagement with Belarus."

On November 20, Lukashenko pardoned two Catholic priests.

On August 15, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had discussed the release of 1,300 prisoners with Lukashenko and called the dialog "very good." He emphasized that the purpose of the call was to thank the Belarusian dictator for the release of 16 people.