Lukashenka Pardons Political Prisoners, Signals Westward Shift as Kerry Visit Looms

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka pardoned 13 political prisoners on September 24, likely a gesture to the US ahead of John Kerry's visit to Minsk. Concurrently, Belarus-Poland contacts have intensified, suggesting a broader thaw with the West. However, the Kremlin's watchful stance and limited prospects constrain the scope of this rapprochement.