Cole: The U.S. Will Release Hundreds More Belarusian Political Prisoners

• 16.09.2026, 18:02

Trump's special envoy to Belarus stated that "all prisoners" could be released.

The U.S. President’s Special Envoy John Cole indicated that he might visit Belarus again in a month. Speaking with reporters, he expressed hope that the U.S. would be able to help secure the release of hundreds more political prisoners in the country.

“I hope that hundreds more will be released. I’m confident we’ll get many more out,” said the U.S. representative (quote from Reuters). He added that “all prisoners” could be released by the end of the year.

John Cole met with dictator Alexander Lukashenko on September 15 in Minsk. Following the talks, Belarus agreed release 25 political prisoners in exchange for the lifting of sanctions against companies “Lakokraska” and “Bellesbumprom”.