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15 Aug 2025, 18:16

Trump Discussed the Release of Political Prisoners with Lukashenko

  • Trump congratulated Lukashenko on the release of political prisoners
  • Discussed the possibility of an additional release of 1,300 people
  • Lukashenko invited Trump to visit Minsk

About this reports RBC Ukraine, Meduza, Meduza.

On August 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. During the conversation, Trump congratulated Lukashenko on the release of 16 political prisoners and discussed the possibility of releasing another 1,300 people. Trump described the conversation as "very good."

Trump emphasized the importance of the release of political prisoners, noting that the conversation also concerned the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska. Lukashenko, in turn, invited Trump to visit Minsk for an official visit.

Release of Political Prisoners in Belarus

The release of 16 people took place on June 21, 2025, and according to ZMI information, it became possible thanks to the visit of Trump's special representative, Kita Kellogg, to Minsk. According to his deputy, John Koul, the release of 14 political prisoners was carried out at Trump's request, among whom were also Americans.

In preparation for the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, Belarusian state media reported that the leaders also discussed bilateral issues and regional situations, including in Ukraine.

Tags: USA/Europe/Politics

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  • newsukraine.rbc.ua - Lukashenko’s office states that Trump agreed to visit Minsk at the President’s invitation
  • meduza.io - Trump discusses prisoner release with Lukashenko before Alaska summit with Putin
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  • newsukraine.rbc.ua - Trump talks with Lukashenko ahead of Putin summit
  • en.interfax.com.ua - Trump, Lukashenko discuss release of prisoners by phone; express hope for meeting
  • www.pravda.com.ua - Trump says he had "wonderful talk" with "highly respected" Belarusian leader about prisoners and Putin
  • www.theguardian.com - Trump-Putin summit live updates: US and Russian leaders to meet in Alaska to discuss ending Ukraine war
  • www.dw.com - Trump, Putin arrive in Alaska for Ukraine talks