In a surprising turn of events, Sergei Tikhanovsky, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure and husband of exiled leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has been released from prison after nearly five years. His release, along with 13 other political prisoners, comes as a significant diplomatic gesture coinciding with a visit from US special envoy Keith Kellogg to Minsk.

Unexpected Release Amid Diplomatic Moves

Tikhanovsky, who was arrested in 2020 while campaigning against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, was sentenced to 18 years on charges widely condemned as politically motivated. His unexpected release follows a meeting between Kellogg and Lukashenko, marking the highest-level US engagement with Belarus since the 2020 post-election crackdown.

A Joyful Reunion and Continued Struggle

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who took over her husband's political mantle and fled to Lithuania after the disputed 2020 elections, shared a heartfelt video of their reunion. "My husband is free! It’s hard to describe the joy in my heart," she expressed on social media, thanking international allies for their support. Despite this victory, she emphasized that 1,150 political prisoners remain behind bars, urging continued efforts for their release.

International and Domestic Implications

The release of Tikhanovsky and others, including nationals from Japan, Poland, and Sweden, is seen as an attempt by Lukashenko to mitigate Belarus's international isolation. However, key opposition figures like Maria Kolesnikova remain imprisoned, highlighting ongoing political repression in Belarus. The move also reflects Belarus's complex relationship with Russia, especially after becoming a launch point for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.