American Marc Fogel released from Russian custody
FOX NewsFEB 21
Belarus Releases Three Detainees Including US Citizen
Above: White House news Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaking on recent prisoner release deals on Feb. 12, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The release represents a diplomatic victory for the Trump administration and demonstrates the president's deal-making abilities, coming immediately after successfully negotiating Marc Fogel's release from Russia, showing America's commitment to bringing its citizens home.
Anti-Trump narrative
The releases appear to be cynical moves by Belarusian President Lukashenko to repair relations with the West following years of sanctions imposed over domestic repression and support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, rather than genuine reform of its approach to political dissent. Trump's dealings with authoritarian regimes must be closely scrutinized.