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US Lifts Sanctions on Belarusian Airline Belavia, As Belarus Freed 52 Political Prisoners
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The United States has lifted sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, according to US Special Representative John Cole, who arrived in Minsk for a visit, Radio Svoboda reported on September 11, citing the announcement, made by Belarusian state media.
Cole emphasized that the US is keen to normalize relations with Belarus. He also referenced a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, which took place while Trump was en route to Alaska for a meeting with leader President Vladimir Putin.
“The lifting of sanctions (against Belavia), which we announced at this meeting, is only the beginning,” Cole said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda had also confirmed that 52 prisoners were freed from Belarusian captivity.
No man left behind! 52 prisoners safely crossed the Lithuanian border from Belarus today, leaving behind barbed wire, barred windows and constant fear. Among them, which is especially important to me, were 6 Lithuanians. I am deeply grateful to the United States and personally to… pic.twitter.com/PiYJMVL9VP
— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) September 11, 2025
“52 prisoners safely crossed the Lithuanian border today, leaving behind the terror of imprisonment. Among them, which is especially important to me, were six Lithuanians,” Nausėda said.
The freed individuals also include citizens from the UK, Latvia, Poland, Germany, and France, according to the Lithuanian president.
Despite this significant release, Nausėda emphasized that over 1,000 political prisoners still remain in Belarusian jails. “We cannot stop until they see freedom,” he added.
Donald Trump had also reportedly presented Belarusian leader with cufflinks depicting the White House.
Previously, it was reported that Poland had moved military vehicles to its eastern frontier with Belarus, just hours after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace during the night—forcing NATO fighter jets to scramble, air defenses to activate, and airports in Warsaw to shut down temporarily.
