US lifts sanctions on Belavia after Belarus releases political prisoners 

The United States has lifted sanctions on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia, US Presidential Envoy John Coale announced following a meeting with President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk.  

The move came as Belarus released dozens of political prisoners, including several foreign nationals. 

“I would like to officially declare here that we have lifted sanctions from Belavia. This is official,” Coale said on September 11, 2025, as quoted by Belarusian state news agency BelTA. 

Trump order led to lifting of Belavia sanctions

The envoy stressed that the decision came directly from US President Donald Trump.  

“I had a meeting with President Trump, which was also attended by several dozen people. The decision was made by the president, who said: ‘Do it immediately.’ Regarding Belavia. This decision has been already approved and adopted by all the relevant departments and agencies involved in this work. By the US Department of State, the US Department of Commerce, the US Department of the Treasury, and other organizations that are involved in this. The decision has been made,” Coale stated. 

Belarus frees 52 political prisoners

The announcement followed news from Vilnius that Belarus had released 52 political prisoners.  

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda confirmed the move at an emergency press conference, calling it “a long-awaited breakthrough.” The group included opposition figures, journalists, and participants in anti-government protests, as well as several European nationals. 

Belavia has been under US and EU sanctions since 2021, following the forced diversion of Ryanair flight FR4978 to Minsk to arrest opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich. The restrictions barred the airline from leasing Western-built aircraft or obtaining spare parts and services. 

The lifting of US measures could allow Belavia to regain access to Western leasing, maintenance, and parts, though the European Union has not yet indicated whether it will follow Washington’s lead. The post US lifts sanctions on Belavia after Belarus releases political prisoners  appeared first on AeroTime.

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