Washington, March 30 (ANI) — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that more than 500 political prisoners have been released in Belarus since last year, crediting his personal envoy and Belarusian authorities for the developments. On his social media platform, Trump said envoy John Coale negotiated with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and secured the release of an additional 250 detainees, bringing the total freed since last May to “well over 500.” He added his “warmest THANK YOU” to Lukashenko and said he looked forward to meeting him at the next Board of Peace meeting.
Trump previously said in August 2025 that he had spoken with Lukashenko to thank him for the release of 16 prisoners and that they had discussed the possible release of about 1,300 more. Lukashenko has led Belarus since 1994, is subject to extensive U.S. sanctions and is often described by critics as “Europe’s last dictator.”
The Board of Peace, launched by Trump in Davos in January to help oversee Gaza’s post-war transition, has since broadened its remit to promote “global peace.” Elements of the board’s charter — including provisions that critics say would allow Trump to remain chairman indefinitely — have drawn legal and political scrutiny in some European capitals.
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