Tsikhanovski’s arrest provoked widespread protests in Belarus, which didn’t, however, result in the ouster of its strongman leader. The opposition leader’s wife, Tsikhanouskaya, was forced into exile to Lithuania after Lukashenko declared himself the winner in the contested 2020 elections.
The release of Tsikhanouski “is a step toward freedom for all of Belarus,” Tsikhanouskaya told POLITICO. “I am deeply grateful for the incredible support we received,” she said.
“I want to thank President Trump, the U.S. State Department, and General Kellogg. And, of course, Lithuania and all EU countries — without your help, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Tsikhanouskaya said.
“This is wonderful news and a moment of hope,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post on X. “The release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski is a reminder that democratic values cannot be silenced.”
Russian media outlet RBC named journalist Igor Karney and Minsk academic Natalia Dulina among the other freed prisoners.
Kellogg’s trip to Belarus was organized with the aim of freeing prisoners, as well as nudging the country closer to the West in a bid to improve the atmosphere to one that is more conducive for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Gregory Svirnovskiy contributed reporting.