Trump Announces Release of Polish, Moldovan Prisoners from Belarus and Russia
Details of Prisoner Release and International Reactions
Announcement by President Trump
May 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday posted on social media that three Polish and two Moldovan prisoners had been released from Belarusian and Russian detention.
Role of Special Envoy and Diplomatic Efforts
In a post on Truth Social, Trump credited special envoy John Coale for the release, and thanked Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for his "cooperation and friendship."
Notable Prisoners Released
Andrzej Poczobut's Release
Trump also referred to the release of Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut from a Belarusian prison.
Polish Government's Involvement
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Poczobut's release, which was part of a prisoner swap, on April 28.
Context and Broader Implications
Belarus-Russia Relations and Prisoner Releases
Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has released hundreds of prisoners in the past two years. That process has accelerated during Trump's second term. The U.S. has in return begun removing sanctions against Belarus.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Costas Pitas and Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Sergio Non)
