Belarus Releases Journalist Kuznechyk, Two Others

Belarus has released three detainees, including Belarusian journalist Andrey Kuznechyk and activist Alena Maushuk, in what appears to be an attempt to improve relations with the U.S. following President Alexander Lukashenko's controversial re-election and Western sanctions. Kuznechyk, linked with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was held on charges related to extremism. The release was celebrated by U.S. officials and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their efforts. Despite these releases, Belarus continues to face criticism for political repression and its support for Russia's Ukraine actions. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that returning Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders is unrealistic, emphasizing no U.S. troop deployment in any peace deal.