Lukashenko Pardons Prisoners, Signaling Thaw in US-Belarus Relations

On Belarus’s Independence Day, President Alexander Lukashenko issued a pardon for another group of prisoners, including some convicted on extremism-related charges, in a move widely interpreted as a sign of significant progress in relations with the United States. The gesture came just as Lukashenko delivered a fiery speech accusing the West of plotting to engulf the world in conflict.

Speaking at a ceremony at the “Mound of Glory” memorial complex on July 3, Lukashenko urged his nation to stand united against global evil. “You see what is happening around us. The West has once again decided to burn all its debts and problems in a world fire,” the president stated. “The task of all people of goodwill, and first and foremost the youth, is to unite and stop the madmen. Stop them in the name of the future of all humanity.”

Despite this harsh rhetoric, signs of a diplomatic thaw are becoming more apparent. A delegation from the United States, including representatives of both the Republican and Democratic parties as well as business leaders, recently visited Minsk for meetings with Belarusian parliamentarians. Sergei Rachkov, chairman of the parliament’s standing commission on international affairs, commented on the meeting, stating, “It is very important that we are resuming conversation, communication, and dialogue. The Belarusian side has very clearly emphasized that we have always stood for good relations with the United States on the basis of mutual respect and equality.”

Lukashenko himself has acknowledged the American role in the prisoner releases, though he expressed frustration that some, in a veiled reference to Sergei Tikhanovsky, had not honored an alleged agreement to remain silent after being freed. “The Americans promised me: ‘You release them, they will not sling mud at you or the country, no one will speak to the media.’ But as soon as they were released… a statement came the very next morning,” Lukashenko lamented, while still proceeding with the latest round of pardons.

The presidential press service announced that 16 individuals—eight men and eight women—were pardoned. It was noted that nine have underage children, several are elderly or have chronic illnesses, and all have reportedly repented and pledged to abide by the law. According to former opposition figure Valery Kovalevsky, this is part of a sustained process that began a year ago and has seen over 300 people released through such pardons.

Kovalevsky, who previously served in Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s cabinet, confirmed that a complex negotiation process between Minsk and Washington has been underway for some time. “The fact that Americans are talking to Minsk is a process that was built long and hard through diplomatic channels,” he said, adding that recent public meetings were a necessary step to move forward. He expressed confidence that the prisoner releases will continue, though he urged all sides to be cautious with public statements to avoid jeopardizing the delicate process.