'Momentum is there': US expects release of another 1,000 Belarusian political prisoners

According to Coale, Alexander Lukashenko's regime may release political prisoners, likely in one large group.

"I think it’s more than possible that we can do that, I think it’s probable... We are on the right track, the momentum is there," he said.

He added that such steps could indicate a possible improvement in the human rights situation in Belarus and signal a potential willingness by the authorities to engage in talks with international partners.

Belarus has held hundreds of political prisoners in recent years, including opposition activists, journalists, and public figures persecuted for criticizing the authorities. The international community has repeatedly called on Minsk to release them and uphold basic human rights.

The release of around 1,000 political prisoners would be one of the largest steps in this direction in recent years and could serve as an important signal for further change in the country.

Lukashenko releases political prisoners

On Saturday, December 13, Belarus released Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, prominent opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava, and dozens of other political prisoners.

Those released included five Ukrainian citizens, as well as at least two Belarusian opposition leaders, Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kalesnikava.

The move followed two days of talks with the United States aimed at improving relations and easing some sanctions on key Belarusian exports.

Earlier the same day, the United States announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarus’s potash sector, while President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 123 prisoners.

Lukashenko’s side has claimed that the political prisoners were allegedly exchanged for wounded Russian forces personnel and captured Belarusian mercenaries who fought on Russia’s side.

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that 114 political prisoners have arrived in Ukraine.