Alexander Lukashenko14 Dec 2025'Never give up': Belarusian prisoners celebrate release after US lifts sanctions"It's a feeling of incredible happiness," says political prisoner Maria Kolesnikova, freed after more than five years.14 Dec 202513 Dec 2025Belarus frees 123 prisoners as US lifts sanctionsOpposition activist Maria Kolesnikova is among those released in exchange for a deal with the US.13 Dec 20259 Dec 2025Lithuania declares emergency situation over Belarus balloonsPrime Minister Inga Ruginiene says the "hybrid attack" poses a real risk to national security and civil aviation.9 Dec 202512 Sep 2025UK says 'great news' British national freed in Belarus release dealJulia Fenner was given a long jail term after being detained while entering Belarus in March 2024.12 Sep 202522 Jun 2025Belarus opposition leader's husband urges Trump to help other prisoners After his unexpected release, Sergei Tikhanovsky broke down describing his five years in solitary confinement 22 Jun 202521 Jun 2025Belarus opposition leader's husband freed from prisonSergei Tikhanovsky had planned to challenge Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 election, but was detained before the vote.21 Jun 202519 Jun 2025How Belarus dissidents in exile abroad are pursued and threatenedSome receive threatening messages or phone-calls, others say their relatives are visited by authorities back home.19 Jun 202528 Jan 2025'Don't overdo it, Steve': BBC journalist in testy exchange with Belarus presidentAfter an election win which has been widely criticised as illegitimate, Alexander Lukashenko faced questions from the BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg.28 Jan 202527 Jan 2025Belarus ruler claims landslide in 'sham' electionNo credible opponents were allowed to run against Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since the 1990s.27 Jan 2025...
