An important diplomatic victory has been achieved in Belarus — several foreign citizens have been released from prisons with active support from the United States
The total number of released individuals is 14, including citizens of Poland, Estonia, and Latvia. This development casts doubt on the regime's previously assumed diplomatic isolation and indicates significant dynamism in international efforts to combat political repression in the country. Information about these events emerged following a recent visit by the American envoy to Minsk, as well as high-ranking diplomats from other countries, including representatives from Poland, Estonia, and Latvia, who welcomed the release of their compatriots. According to official sources, analysis of data from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the President of Latvia shows that the 14 detainees released as part of this operation — including three Poles, one Estonian, and two Latvians — became participants in a complex diplomatic game, in which the support of the American administration played a key role. It is especially important to highlight the activity of the Polish authorities. Three of the released Polish citizens were specifically targeted by Polish diplomacy to facilitate their return home. In this regard, the participation of Polish diplomatic representatives, who were present during the handover at the US embassy in Vilnius, contributed to the swift and successful process. As reported by the Polish MFA, these efforts were carried out in close cooperation with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and with the personal support of Polish leadership, including President Andrzej Duda. A Polish MFA spokesperson stated: “We sincerely thank the Trump administration and President Duda for their efforts. This is the first significant step that gives hope for the release of other Polish citizens, including Andrzej Poczobut, who remains behind Belarusian bars. Cooperation with the American side is a crucial component of this diplomatic operation.” Equally significant were the words of Estonian diplomat Margus Tsahkna. He reported on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that thanks to active actions by President Donald Trump and personally by Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, the release of an Estonian citizen from a Belarusian prison was achieved. Tsahkna also added that this process is only the first step in a systematic effort to return home all foreign nationals detained and sentenced in Belarus. Latvia managed to save two of its citizens. President Egils Levits, in his official statement, expressed gratitude to the Donald Trump administration for their help and support in the release of Latvian nationals. The head of state voiced hope that this diplomatic victory would be just the beginning of broader efforts to restore the rights and freedoms of foreigners detained in Belarus. The background of this event can be traced through diplomatic steps that began on Saturday, June 21. On that day, Trump’s envoy — Keith Kellogg — arrived in Minsk and met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as part of a diplomatic mission aimed at facilitating the release of political prisoners held by the regime. On the same day, the official announcement was made about the release of several individuals, including well-known opposition figure Sergey Tikhanovsky, along with 13 other political prisoners. This event was a milestone amid the tense political situation in Belarus, demonstrating the possibility of diplomatic dialogue and international support for citizens subjected to repression. Thanks to the efforts of the USA and its allies, as well as established contacts with Lukashenko’s regime, it was possible to secure the release of several foreigners considered political prisoners and send them home. This example shows that international diplomacy and active external support can influence the internal situation in Belarus and create new opportunities for human rights and freedoms to be protected. In conclusion, this story is a vivid example of diplomatic success and the joint efforts of the international community in the fight for rights and freedoms in countries with authoritarian regimes. At the same time, it opens new prospects for further measures to free political prisoners and increases international accountability for Lukashenko’s regime regarding political repression and gross human rights violations.