https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/exclusive-us-envoy-hopes-belarus-will-release-hundreds-more-prisoners-next-monthContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/exclusive-us-envoy-hopes-belarus-will-release-hundreds-more-prisoners-next-monthhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/exclusive-us-envoy-hopes-belarus-will-release-hundreds-more-prisoners-next-month#u75118Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:55:46 +0000US special envoy John Coale brokered the release of 25 political prisoners from Belarus in exchange for the easing of US sanctions. Following meetings in Minsk with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Coale stated that the US is moving in the right direction. The envoy expressed hope that hundreds more prisoners will be released next month. While the US seeks the release of Belarusian funds, Coale indicated that current global wars have hindered the ability to secure the release of all prisoners more quickly.Why it mattersThis diplomatic thaw attempts to normalize Belarus's relations