Opinions

Opinion: Sanctions relief won't free political prisoners in Belarus

 Media manager Andrei Aliaksandrau during a meeting of released political prisoners. Vilnius, Lithuania. September 16, 2026. Photo: Belsat
Media manager Andrei Aliaksandrau during a meeting of released political prisoners. Vilnius, Lithuania. September 16, 2026. Photo: Belsat

After negotiations with Coale, Lukashenka released 25 innocent people, then another 13. More than 800 remain in prisons. Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski met with Lukashenka's Foreign Minister Ryzhankou. Analysts burst forth with conclusions: non-military sanctions need to be lifted. And if not – are Belarusians more valuable to you than Ukrainians? We must support the lifting of potash sanctions, otherwise Poland will still make a deal with Lukashenka, but without you.