• Belarus has released opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski and 13 other political prisoners.
• The release followed a visit from US envoy Keith Kellogg, during which diplomatic discussions took place.
• Tsikhanouski, who suffered severe health issues in prison, expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump.
• Despite the release, over 1,100 prisoners remain in custody in Belarus.
• Tsikhanouski vowed to continue fighting for democratic reforms in Belarus.

Belarus has freed key opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski along with 13 other political prisoners, marking a significant turn in its political landscape. The move came after a rare visit from U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg, who met with President Alexander Lukashenko. The release signals possible warming ties between the U.S. and Belarus amidst ongoing international scrutiny of the country's human rights record, according to Reuters and LA Times.

Tsikhanouski's release was facilitated by U.S. diplomatic efforts, apparently on request from Trump, as reported by various sources. His wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, expressed gratitude to the U.S. administration for supporting her husband's release, emphasizing that their struggle is far from over, with over 1,100 political prisoners still detained in Belarus, according to South China Morning Post and CBS News.

The emotional reunion was captured in videos shared by Tsikhanouskaya’s team, showing Tsikhanouski arriving in Vilnius, where he was welcomed by family and supporters. He appeared markedly altered after nearly five years of imprisonment, reporting significant weight loss and health issues resulting from harsh confinement conditions. Tsikhanouski described his treatment in prison as "torture," highlighting the brutal conditions, including minimal food and lack of medical care, according to NPR and India Times.

Following the release, Tsikhanouski reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition movement and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his assistance. He stated he was “ready to continue the fight” for democracy in Belarus, while recognizing the ongoing struggle of his fellow political prisoners. His remarks reflect a hope for unity within the fragmented opposition against the Lukashenko regime, which has been characterized by oppressive tactics against dissenters, according to LA Times and South China Morning Post.