Lukashenko uses prisoners as bargaining chips - Eastern Express - TVP WORLD

[TexasTowelie]

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners in its largest pardon in years – including Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. In this episode, Benjamin Lee speaks with Dmitry Bolkunets, co-founder of the Democratic Forces of Belarus, to examine why Alexander Lukashenko chose this moment.

The discussion looks at how sanctions, U.S. diplomacy, and Russian influence intersect behind the scenes, what Washington hopes to achieve, and why Moscow is closely watching the move. It also explores how the releases affect the Belarusian opposition abroad.

Not all political prisoners were freed – and the omissions, including Andrzej Poczobut, remain a critical part of the story.