UPDATE: In a significant and urgent development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has just pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens who were jailed for various criminal offenses in Belarus. This pivotal move, reported by state news agency Belta, is part of an agreement reached between Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump at Ukraine’s request.
The Ukrainian government’s prisoner exchange coordination committee announced late Saturday via Telegram that the 31 civilians are returning home. “Women and men detained in Belarus and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to 11 years are returning to Ukraine,” the committee confirmed. This release marks a crucial step in ongoing diplomatic efforts and highlights the urgency of restoring relations amid rising tensions.
The committee expressed deep gratitude towards the United States and President Trump for their “fruitful work” in facilitating the return of Ukrainian civilians and military personnel from both Belarus and Russia.
In a parallel development, Lukashenko recently pardoned two Roman Catholic priests convicted of “serious crimes against the state,” following diplomatic engagements with the Vatican. This indicates a potential shift in Belarus’s approach to foreign relations as Lukashenko seeks to improve ties with the West following years of sanctions related to his human rights record and support for Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Lukashenko’s spokeswoman, Natalia Eismont, noted that diplomatic contacts with the U.S. are in an “active phase,” emphasizing the President’s openness to dialogue. Following their first phone call in August, Trump has appointed a special envoy to Belarus to negotiate further releases, underscoring the importance of this issue on the international stage.
The freed Ukrainians will receive all necessary medical care and rehabilitation, as confirmed by the Ukrainian committee. This humanitarian aspect highlights the emotional impact of the exchange on families waiting for their loved ones’ return.
As the situation develops, it is essential to monitor further announcements regarding additional prisoner releases and the evolving diplomatic relations between Belarus, Ukraine, and the United States. The international community is watching closely as these events unfold, knowing that they could have significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts in the area.
