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

Belarusian authorities have released an imprisoned U.S. citizen, a Belarusian journalist for a U.S.-funded media outlet and an opposition supporter in an apparent attempt to repair ruptured ties with Washington.

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.