What has made Belarus dictator Aleksandr Lukasjenko release, among others, opposition politician Sergej Tichanovskij from prison is difficult to say. But it may have to do with his historically poor relationship with the West, according to Belarus expert Sofie Bedford. He may have gotten cold feet and thought "oh dear", maybe it's time to do something about it, she says.
WorldPrime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) is pleased that the opposition leader Sergej Tichanovskij has been released by the regime in Minsk – and thanks Trump for the US's effort. The European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen demands that the pressure on Belarus leader Aleksandr Lukasjenko be increased.
WorldJoyful scenes unfolded in Lithuania as Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tichanovskaja was reunited with her previously imprisoned husband Sergej Tichanovskij. Thus, Belarus' totalitarian regime has released one of the foremost critics of the regime. Also, a Swedish citizen, Halina Krasnjanskaja, who had been imprisoned, was released along with another dozen political prisoners.
World politicsA phone call from Donald Trump - or at least a question from BBC. That's what the opposition in Belarus hopes for to get help for the imprisoned Nobel laureate Ales Bjaljatski.
World politicsThe Russian fascism has risen, claims the Nobel laureate Svetlana Aleksijevitj – who thinks that Europe lacks ideas on how to meet the world order. I myself do not know if I can formulate myself about the new times. But I try, she says.
EntertainmentThe US envoy Steven Witkoff has met with Vladimir Putin and then left Moscow, according to Russian sources. President Donald Trump urges his Russian counterpart to spare Ukrainian lives.
ConflictsRussia wants to make Ukraine a vassal state and avoid further American sanctions. Putin's statement on ceasefire makes the question also bounce back to the White House, according to military expert Joakim Paasikivi. This is a delay, he says.
WorldRussia's President Vladimir Putin opens up for a ceasefire – with many side demands. USA's President Trump responds that the overtures are "promising but not complete". But Ukraine's President Zelenskyj condemns Putin's speech as "manipulative".
ConflictsMore in Aleksandr Lukasjenko
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