Vilnius: Belarus freed 52 prisoners on Thursday, including an EU employee, following an appeal from  U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump had urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko — a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin — to release what the U.S. termed “hostages.” In exchange, the U.S. is considering easing sanctions, particularly targeting Belarus’s national airline Belavia and its aviation industry.

John Coale, leading the U.S. delegation in Minsk, said Trump’s direct involvement played a crucial role. “If Trump likes to say a big beautiful deal, this was one,” said Coale, quoting Lukashenko, who praised Trump’s efforts.

Among the released was journalist Ihar Losik, sentenced to 15 years for allegedly inciting unrest. Notably, Valiancin Tsikhanouski, husband of opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, remains imprisoned.

This mass release—the largest since 2020—comes as Belarus signals interest in repairing ties with the West. Trump has stated plans to meet Lukashenko, whom he described as a “strong leader.”

The U.S. may reopen its embassy in Minsk, hinting at a potential thaw in relations.

The prisoners were handed over to U.S. officials in Lithuania, where the U.S. embassy confirmed the release.