US agrees with Lukashenko to release 250 political prisoners

USA agreed with Alexander Lukashenko the release of more than 250 political prisoners

The United States has reached agreements with the Belarusian authorities on Release of more than 250 political prisoners, reports The Wall Street Journal with reference to knowledgeable sources.

How the negotiations took place

According to the WSJ, during the an informal dinner with a lot of alcohol Special Envoy of the President of the United States John Cole discussed with Alexander Lukashenko possible easing of sanctions.

During the conversation, Lukashenko drew attention to drastic weight loss of the American negotiator. Cole explained that he lost the weight thanks to injectable drug Zepbound, and even showed the manufacturer's brochure. After that, the US began to consider the option of organising the supply of the drug for Lukashenko's personal use, The newspaper says.

Terms of the agreement

According to the WSJ, the package of agreements includes:

• easing of sanctions against Belarusian companies, in particular in potash industry and the field of air supply;

• Release of political prisoners, including foreigners and prominent opposition figures.

Some political prisoners already fired within the framework of these agreements.

Reaction and context

The initiative has caused contradictory reaction. On the one hand, the international community welcomes the release of people who have been imprisoned for a long time for political reasons. On the other hand, critics warn against possible concessions to the Lukashenko regime in exchange for humanitarian steps.

According to the WSJ, the talks were held with the participation of the US President's team Donald Trump and became part of Washington's broader diplomatic engagement in Eastern Europe.