Updated

Alexander Lukashenko called the freezing of $43-44 million in Belarusian funds at Citibank 'a disgrace for the United States.' U.S. presidential envoy John Coale, who met with Lukashenko in Minsk on September 15, said U.S. officials have asked Citibank to explain why it has not released the funds. Following the talks, Coale announced the United States will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, in a move reported by the pro-Lukashenko Telegram channel Pul Pervogo. In connection with the broader negotiations, Belarus is set to free 25 political prisoners, marking a notable diplomatic exchange between Washington and Minsk amid ongoing efforts to ease sanctions pressure on the Lukashenko government.