March 19, 2026

U.S. to lift sanctions on several Belarusian banks and companies after Lukashenko releases 250 political prisoners

A total of 250 Belarusian political prisoners were released after a meeting between dictator Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. representative John Coale in Minsk earlier today.

U.S. to lift sanctions on several Belarusian banks and companies after Lukashenko releases 250 political prisoners

TL;DR

  • 250 Belarusian political prisoners released after a meeting between Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. representative John Coale.
  • U.S. is lifting sanctions on Belinvestbank, the Development Bank of Belarus, and the Belarusian Finance Ministry.
  • 15 of the released prisoners have been deported, while 235 remain in Belarus.
  • Previous similar meetings have resulted in prisoner releases and eased U.S. restrictions.
  • Belaruskali and the Belarusian Potash Company have been removed from all sanctions lists.
  • Opposition advisor Franak Viačorka acknowledges the U.S. role in freeing prisoners but emphasizes the need for a complete halt to repression.
  • Lukashenko hopes to secure lifting of some sanctions and escape isolation through these negotiations.
  • Concerns remain about ongoing repression and the continued imprisonment of individuals.

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