Prisoner-Swap Diplomacy: U.S. envoy John Coale says Belarus will release 25 prisoners as an interim goodwill step, while Washington eases sanctions on two state-linked companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom, with more releases and further sanctions relief possible if remaining issues are settled. Human Rights Releases: Viasna reports a new round of pardons has started, with relatives told they can collect released detainees; among those freed are cultural manager Pavel Belavus and Telegram-channel administrator Yana Pinchuk, while psychiatrist Uladzimir Pikirenia remains in exile and is listed as wanted. Security on NATO’s Doorstep: Belarus has launched “defensive” drills near the Suwałki Gap with mechanised and tank units, while NATO jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuania from Belarus; officials say it may have carried explosives, and the EU is pushing for a NATO-like mechanism to respond to drone and sabotage incidents. Belarus–U.S. Sanctions/Assets: Lukashenko met Coale to press for lifting remaining U.S. sanctions and unfreezing “stuck” Citibank funds, as Washington seeks a mechanism to release about $44 million. Minsk Local Life: A cyclist was injured after a car hit him in Minsk, and Tez Tour says its website hack did not involve data leakage of tourists’ personal information. Minsk–Mongolia Talks: Mongolia and Belarus held sixth political consultations in Minsk, agreeing to expand cooperation across trade, industry, education, culture, sports, and healthcare.