Belarus' Strategic Release: A Diplomatic Dance with the U.S.

In a diplomatic gesture, Belarus released 52 prisoners, including an EU employee, following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump. The move aims to ease longstanding tensions and encourage sanctions relief from Washington. Trump plans to open U.S.-Belarus diplomatic relations further, amid European skepticism.

In a significant diplomatic shift, Belarus handed over 52 prisoners to freedom, spurred by an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump. This gesture comes amid tentative moves toward rapprochement between Washington and Minsk, arousing skepticism among European leaders wary of the authoritarian Belarusian government.

President Trump's increased engagement, contrasting with former President Biden's isolation strategy, has led to talks of sanctions relief, particularly for Belarus' national airline, Belavia. The decision, however, falls short of freeing the total prisoners Trump had advocated for in recent discussions with President Alexander Lukashenko.

The opposition remains critical of the move, citing it as a 'trade in human lives,' while calling for stronger EU sanctions until democracy prevails. Despite the release not including high-profile detainees, it sparks a diplomatic dialogue between the U.S. and Belarus, with future prospects of reopening the U.S. embassy in Minsk.

(With inputs from agencies.)