Belarusian opposition leader Mikola Statkevich declined to leave Belarus and refused to enter Lithuania along with other recently released prisoners following a plea from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a senior official from the exiled opposition party. Franak Viacorka, the official, described the situation as a distressing event wherein Statkevich was situated in the border’s no-man’s zone as captured on webcam footage. Despite attempts to compel him to leave, Statkevich insisted on returning to Belarus, but border authorities prevented his reentry, highlighting the regime’s oppressive nature by leaving individuals with no freedom to choose their stay or departure.
On the same day, Belarus released 52 political detainees while the United States announced the partial lifting of sanctions on the country’s national airline. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has faced recurrent Western sanctions due to its human rights violations and cooperation with Moscow during the Ukraine conflict in 2022. President Alexander Lukashenko, in power for over three decades, maintains a firm grip on the nation, resulting in the imprisonment of numerous dissidents, opposition members, and journalists.
In an effort to improve relations with the West and alleviate sanctions and international isolation, Lukashenko has consistently released prisoners to gain favor. Recent releases include Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a prominent dissident and spouse of exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, along with 13 others after a diplomatic visit from a senior representative of President Trump.
Prior to the prisoner release announcement, Belarusian state media circulated a video featuring U.S. envoy John Coale confirming the removal of sanctions on Belarus’ national airline, Belavia. The airline had faced sanctions from the EU, U.S., and other entities following an incident where Belarus diverted a commercial flight heading to Lithuania and arrested dissident journalist Raman Pratasevich onboard.
The White House has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding these recent developments.