Lithuanian PM spokesperson: Belarus released 14 prisoners after reaching agreement with U.S. envoy Kellogg.

Lithuanian PM spokesperson: Belarus released 14 prisoners after reaching agreement with U.S. envoy Kellogg.

Belarus has released 14 prisoners following an agreement reached between U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The move comes amid ongoing peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine, which remain inconclusive [1].

The agreement, facilitated during Kellogg's visit to Belarus, has been seen as a potential step towards reinitiating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Lukashenko, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been in power since 1994 and has faced international criticism for staging fraudulent elections and repressing political opposition [1].

Belarus has faced Western sanctions following a disputed presidential election in 2020, which international observers condemned as fraudulent. The election sparked mass protests that rejected the results. Belarus has further isolated itself from the West by supporting Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine [1].

The release of the 14 prisoners is a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, the long-term impact on the peace talks and the broader geopolitical landscape remains uncertain. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and the potential for further diplomatic progress.

References:
[1] https://kyivindependent.com/kellogg-to-meet-lukashenko-in-highest-ranking-u-s-visit-to-belarus-in-years-reuters-reports/