According to U.S. reports, several detainees have been released from prisons in both Russia and Belarus. Speaking on Sunday, Trump announced that he successfully arranged the release of five individuals: three Polish and two Moldovan detainees held in both Russian and Belarusian facilities. He attributed this success to the efforts of Special Envoy John Coale.
During his statement, Trump also detailed a separate victory involving journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut. He recounted that Poland’s President, Karol Nawrocki, had requested his help the previous autumn to secure Poczobut’s release from a Belarusian jail. Poczobut belongs to the Polish-speaking minority in Belarus and had been imprisoned for years, a status human rights organizations categorize as political detention.
Trump stated that Poczobut is now free thanks to American efforts, adding that the United States remains committed to its allies and friends. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Alexander Lukashenko, calling him out for his “cooperation and friendship”. Interestingly, Polish President Nawrocki also referred to Trump as “my friend” during the Sunday announcement.