Only hours after Donald Trump's conversation with Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine was made public, Russia's ally Belarus released three prisoners, including an American citizen.
The news comes in addition to the release of American history teacher Marc Fogel, who had been imprisoned in Russia accused of drug offenses, just a day earlier.
The White House claimed that the release was related to the war in Ukraine and that another prisoner would be released.
It will be a very special person, says President Donald Trump at the White House about Wednesday's expected release, according to AP.
It is unclear whether this refers to the person released in Belarus, who has not been named.
Government officials told AFP and AP that in exchange, the USA released Russian Alexander Vinnik, who deals with cryptocurrency and was convicted of money laundering in the USA.
Behind the release of Fogel lies a likely complex diplomatic game in which Trump's envoy and billionaire Steve Witkoff plays a crucial role, according to CNN, among others. It was Witkoff who traveled with Fogel from Moscow and took him to the White House after landing.
A few hours after Fogel landed, it was announced that the USA had also released a imprisoned Russian citizen, whose identity has not yet been made public, writes AFP.
Very, very fair, very reasonable, said Donald Trump about the deal and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
