In a surprise move on June 21, 2025, Belarusian authorities pardoned and released opposition figurehead Sergei Tikhanovsky, husband of exile politician Sviatlana Tsikhanovskaya. He was jailed before the election in August 2020, when he was to contest President Alexander Lukashenko. Alexandra Petrova of Reuters reported the news live, citing official statements as well as a video uploaded by Tsikhanovskaya.
/*Arrest and Prison Sentence*/
Tikhanovsky, the effective YouTuber-turned-activist, announced candidacy in May 2020 but got arrested shortly after collecting signatures in Grodno. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison for organizing mass disorder and inciting hatred—charges widely denounced as politically motivated by human rights groups and international observers. His wife became the leading opposition candidate then.
/*The Diplomatic Breakthrough*/
The release was announced just hours after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko received a visit from U.S. envoy General Keith Kellogg in Minsk—the first such high-level visit in years. The 6½-hour session seemed to secure a deal: Tikhanovsky's release in exchange for pardons for other political prisoners. At least 14 dissidents, including academics and journalists, were released and sent out to Lithuania. Among those freed were Radio Liberty journalist Ihar Karnei, arrested in 2023, and former university lecturer Natallia Dulinа.
/*Reunion and Aftermath*/
A heartwarming video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows a weak but smiling Tikhanovsky embracing his wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanovskaya, in Lithuania. Reports noted that he appeared "almost unrecognisable, his head shaven and face emaciated," reflecting the harsh conditions of his imprisonment (Source: New Straits Times). "It is hard to explain the joy in my heart," she tweeted. She thanked President Donald Trump, Kellogg, and EU allies. Trump's deputy envoy, John Coale, also stated on social media that the release was made possible due to “President Trump's strong leadership” (Source: The Kyiv Independent). Tsikhanouskaya further demanded freedom for over 1,150 remaining political prisoners.
/*Political Implications*/
Tikhanovsky's release is commonly seen as a Lukashenko attempt to ease the pressure from the West and, in turn, soften EU sanctions. According to analysts, while prisoners were set free, Belarus still holds more than 1,000 political prisoners. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the release as a "powerful symbol of hope," while critics argue that it may be hiding more profound repression.
/*Looking Ahead*/
As Tikhanovsky and other dissidents settle into Lithuania, the spotlight turns to those who are still incarcerated—star names such as Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski. The opposition is calling for additional Western pressure. Lukashenko's internal position is still constrained by Russian levers and mounting discontent, but he may be able to make use of this breathing space to spin Western engagement. Internal tensions continue as Belarus balances between authoritarianism and diplomatic rebalancing.