Belarus has pardoned 52 prisoners and released them into Lithuania, with both Belarus and Lithuania thanking US President Donald Trump for his role.

The release is part of a broader warming of relations between Belarus and Washington, prompting the US to ease some sanctions on Belarus’ state airline, Belavia.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda celebrated the release on social media, emphasizing that “No man left behind!” and noting that over 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarus.

The move followed a meeting between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and senior Trump administration official John Coale, who discussed further prisoner releases and regional security issues.

Coale informed Lukashenko of the easing of some Belavia sanctions, allowing the airline to service and purchase components for its fleet, including Boeing aircraft.

Among the released were 14 foreign nationals, including six Lithuanians, two Latvians, two Poles, two Germans, and one each from France and the UK, CNN has reported.

Belarus reported that Coale indicated the US intends to reopen its embassy in Minsk, and passed along a letter and gift from President Trump and the First Lady.

Russian and Polish media described the pardons as “humanitarian” and a “gesture of goodwill,” though a full list of prisoners has not been released.