Lukashenko Frees Opposition Leader After Trump Envoy Meeting
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko released opposition leader Sergei Tsikhanouski and 13 other political prisoners and journalists Saturday.
- Tsikhanouski had been jailed as 2020 after attempting to challenge Lukashenko for the presidency.
- "It's hard to describe the joy in my heart," Tsikhanouskaya said, also noting that 1,150 political prisoners remain incarcerated.
breaking news from Belarus: President Lukashenko makes a pivotal move, freeing opposition leader Sergei Tsikhanouski, alongside 13 other political prisoners and journalists. This significant progress followed discussions involving a special U.S. envoy, underscoring the international role impacting the nation. Tsikhanouski’s release, after being jailed since 2020, is a beacon of hope, yet 1,150 political prisoners remain incarcerated. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and international observers are urgently calling for the freedom of all, pressing for democratic reforms. Find out more at News Directory 3. Explore the complex dynamics at play, including the U.S. role- what’s the impact on Belarus? Discover what’s next…
Belarus Frees Opposition Leader after trump envoy Role in Talks
Updated June 21, 2025
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko released opposition leader Sergei Tsikhanouski and 13 other political prisoners and journalists Saturday. The move followed discussions involving keith Kellogg, former President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, highlighting the U.S. role in the situation.
Tsikhanouski had been jailed as 2020 after attempting to challenge Lukashenko for the presidency. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, ran in his place and led protests against Lukashenko after the election.
“It’s hard to describe the joy in my heart,” Tsikhanouskaya said, also noting that 1,150 political prisoners remain incarcerated. “All must be released,” she added, thanking the U.S. president and European allies.
The released prisoners, which included Belarusians, Poles, Latvians, and citizens of Japan, Sweden, and Estonia, arrived in Lithuania. Tsikhanouskaya was filmed embracing her husband as he exited a minibus.
Tsikhanouski received an 18-year prison sentence in 2021. He, along with other candidates, had sought to run against Lukashenko, who has been president since 1994.
Following Tsikhanouski’s arrest, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veronika Tsepkalo, and Maria Kolesnikova spearheaded the election campaign.Lukashenko claimed victory in the election, but the opposition alleged widespread rigging, sparking months of protests.
Thousands were jailed, including Kolesnikova, who remains imprisoned along with Nobel Peace prize winner ales Bialiatski, opposition leader Viktor babariko, and others.
ihar Karnei, a former journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, also gained his freedom after being detained in 2023. “We are deeply grateful to President Trump for securing the release of this brave journalist,” said Stephen Capus, the media outlet’s chief executive.
what’s next
While this release marks a important step, Tsikhanouskaya and international observers continue to press for the freedom of all political prisoners in Belarus, emphasizing the ongoing need for democratic reforms and respect for human rights.