Trump woos Putin’s iron brother, ditches sanctions for...? Belarus frees Ukrainians, Nobel laureate

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko released 123 prisoners after brokering a deal with the U.S. Those freed reportedly included five Ukrainians, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and key Belarusian opposition figures. Nine prisoners were sent to Lithuania while most were transferred to Ukraine. The release followed talks led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, with Washington agreeing to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash exports. Belarus is a major global potash producer. U.S. officials say more sanctions relief and further prisoner releases could follow as negotiations continue.