Three detainees, including an American, have been released from detention in Belarus, as part of efforts to seek a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine by President Donald Trump. The White House confirmed the release without disclosing the name of the American citizen. Andrei Kuznechyk, a journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was among those released. RFE/RL's President highlighted the joyous reunion of Kuznechyk and his family thanks to President Trump's involvement.
Kuznechyk has reunited with his family in Lithuania, as mentioned by Franak Viacorka, a political adviser to Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Alongside Kuznechyk, activist Alena Maushuk was also released, with Tsikhanouskaya's announcement clarifying that the trio was in Vilnius.
Although the State Department and Russian and Belarusian embassies in Washington did not immediately comment on the American's release, there are reports of another American detainee remaining imprisoned in Belarus. Sources indicate that Youras Ziankovich, a Texas resident, is still in custody following his arrest in April 2021 under disputed charges.
The recent release from Belarus adds to the previously gained freedom of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who was imprisoned in Russia for drug smuggling. After 3-1/2 years, Fogel was welcomed back in Washington, where he marked his liberation with a reception at the White House alongside President Trump.