US EditionLukashenko Pardons 31 Ukrainians Amid Diplomatic Deal
The pardons aimed to ease the Ukraine conflict, involving 31 Ukrainians convicted in Belarus and linked to a partial U.S. sanctions relief on Belarusian carrier Belavia.
- On Nov 22, Belarus pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens and handed them over to Kyiv, with Natalia Eismont saying they are being transferred "right now" under an agreement involving Alexander Lukashenko and Donald Trump.
- U.S. pressure and incentives included Washington partly lifting sanctions on Belavia and Donald Trump this month naming a special U.S. envoy to negotiate further releases with Alexander Lukashenko.
- Officials noted the freed Ukrainians include women and men sentenced to two to 11 years for criminal offences in Belarus, and Kyiv's prisoner exchange coordination committee said they will receive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Belarus framed the move as aimed at creating conditions for settling the conflict, while Kyiv will hold consultations in Switzerland with the U.S. on a future peace agreement, Secretary Rustem Umerov wrote, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the delegation for talks.
- Rights groups note more than 1,000 political prisoners remain in Belarus as Alexander Lukashenko freed two Roman Catholic priests on Nov 20 after talks with the Vatican.
81 Articles
81 Articles
Lukashenko Releases 31 Ukrainians Imprisoned In Belarus In US-Brokered Deal
Belarusian authoritarian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko has pardoned and released 31 Ukrainian citizens who had been held in Belarus, a move Minsk said was part of an agreement reached with US President Donald Trump.
In August, US President Trump telephoned for the first time with Belarusian leader Lukashenko. Since then, movement has entered into relations - with a result this time for Ukraine.
In August, US President Trump telephoned for the first time with Belarusian leader Lukashenko. Since then, movement has entered into relations - with a result this time for Ukraine.
In August, US President Trump telephoned for the first time with Belarusian leader Lukashenko. Since then, movement has entered into relations - with a result this time for Ukraine.
Associated Press News
Belarus pardons 31 Ukrainians after deal with Trump
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 31 Ukrainians jailed in Belarus on criminal offences, the latest step in Minsk’s effort to thaw relations with the West.
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