Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, Belarus’s autocratic president and Russia’s closest ally, has taken steps to soften his country’s isolation from the West.

Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was one of those released from a Belarusian prison after more than three years. The released American has not been named publicly.

An American is one of three hostages released from Belarus, the White House has announced. The identity of the hostage has not been released as the person wishes to remain private, U.S. Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler said.