Belarus releases 250 prisoners as US lifts sanctions in exchange

Belarus released 250 prisoners from detention, prompting the United States to lift sanctions against the country in response to the prisoner releases. The US also removed sanctions against three potash-producing companies as part of the agreement. The prisoner release represents a significant diplomatic development between Belarus and the United States, as the two countries have maintained tense relations in recent years. The lifting of sanctions on the potash companies is particularly notable given Belarus's role as a major global producer of the fertilizer ingredient.