Trump Credits Belarus Prisoner Release in U.S.-Backed Swap

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that five prisoners, including three Polish nationals and two Moldovan citizens, had been released from detention in Belarus and Russia. The announcement was made through Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he praised the efforts of special envoy John Coale and thanked Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for his “cooperation and friendship.”

Trump also highlighted the release of Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist who had been imprisoned in Belarus. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously confirmed Poczobut’s release on April 28, stating that it was part of a broader prisoner exchange agreement involving multiple countries.

The latest development marks another sign of improving diplomatic engagement between the United States and Belarus during Trump’s second term. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has overseen the release of hundreds of prisoners over the past two years. Political analysts note that the pace of these releases has increased significantly since Trump returned to office.

In exchange for Belarus cooperating in prisoner negotiations, the United States has reportedly started easing certain sanctions imposed on Minsk. The move reflects a shift in U.S.-Belarus relations as Washington seeks to secure the release of detainees while also managing broader geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Eastern Europe.

The prisoner swap has drawn international attention, particularly because it involves high-profile political prisoners and journalists. Human rights groups continue to monitor Belarus closely over concerns related to political detentions and freedom of speech.

The release of Poczobut and other detainees is being viewed as a diplomatic breakthrough that could influence future negotiations between the U.S., Belarus, and Russia amid ongoing international tensions.