Belarus releases 250 political prisoners in a deal with the US to lift some sanctions - AP News

Belarus has released 250 political prisoners as part of a deal with the United States to ease some sanctions against the country. The release marks a rare diplomatic exchange between Washington and Minsk, whose relations have been strained since Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's disputed 2020 reelection and the subsequent crackdown on opposition protests. The prisoner release appears aimed at improving bilateral ties and reducing economic pressure on Belarus through the partial lifting of American sanctions. The move signals a potential shift in U.S. approach toward the Lukashenko government, though the broader relationship remains complicated by concerns over democratic freedoms and Belarus's alignment with Russia.