Why has Trump eased sanctions on Belarus now?

Dec 14, 2025
19 mins

Episode Description

US president Donald Trump eases sanctions on Belarus after it frees more than 100 political prisoners. Stiff European sanctions remain in place against the close Russian ally. So, why's the deal been struck now, and what's the reaction in Russia, Ukraine and the EU? 

In this episode: 

  • Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus Opposition Leader.
  • Franak Viacorka, Non-resident fellow, Atlantic Council
  • Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow, Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program.
  • Andrey Kortunov, Russian Foreign Affairs Analyst.

Host: Adrian Finighan

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