**Belarusian Opposition Leader Released from Prison**
In a surprise move, Belarusian opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski was released from prison on June 21. This comes just hours after dictator Alexander Lukashenko met with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
Tsikhanouski, a popular blogger who had planned to challenge Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, was arrested before the vote and later sentenced to 18 years in prison on politically motivated charges. Amnesty International recognized him as a prisoner of conscience.
His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, stepped in and became the main opposition candidate against Lukashenko. While welcoming her husband’s release, she highlighted that “1,150 political prisoners remain behind bars.”
**Release of Other Political Detainees**
At least 13 other political detainees, including prominent blogger Ihar Losik, were also released on June 21. This development suggests that the meeting between Lukashenko and Kellogg may have led to a significant shift in Belarus’s treatment of opposition figures.
Kellogg’s deputy, John Coale, confirmed that the released prisoners had been transferred to Vilnius, where they will be cared for by the Lithuanian government. The US official expressed gratitude to Lithuania for its cooperation and assistance.
**International Response**
The release of Tsikhanouski and other political detainees has been welcomed by the international community. However, it remains unclear whether this is a genuine step towards democracy or simply a tactical move to improve Belarus’s relations with Western countries.
As a result of the 2020 election, hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Belarus demanding a fair vote. Many were arrested and beaten during the protests, with at least seven demonstrators killed.
**Background**
Lukashenko has been in power since 1994 and is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Lukashenko’s regime has played a key logistical role in supporting Moscow’s campaign.
The meeting between Kellogg and Lukashenko was the highest-level visit from the US to Belarus in recent years. It remains unclear what specific agreements or understandings were reached during their talks.
**What’s Next?**
While Tsikhanouski’s release is a significant development, it does not address the broader issues surrounding democracy and human rights in Belarus. The international community will be watching closely to see whether this is a genuine step towards reform or simply a tactical move to improve relations with Western countries.
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