Belarus transfers 114 civilians as Ukraine's intelligence chief Budanov runs the operation
Photo: Belarus released political prisoners and Ukrainian citizens (t.me/Koord_shtab)
Today, 114 civilian detainees, including Ukrainian nationals and Belarusian political figures, were returned from Belarus to Ukraine, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
"Today, thanks to effective agreements and joint efforts, an important humanitarian operation took place: Belarus transferred 114 civilians to Ukraine, including Ukrainian nationals. This event became possible as a result of prior negotiations with the Belarusian side, at Ukraine's request and with the active support of American partners, as well as the work of the Coordination Headquarters,” noted Andrii Yusov, Deputy Head of the Coordination Headquarters, in a comment to Ukrinform.
Among the released Ukrainians, the youngest is 25. His wife was returned during an earlier operation. All Ukrainian nationals had been detained in Belarus and accused of cooperating with Ukrainian intelligence services.
On the Ukrainian side, the operation was led directly by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
Photo: Belarus released political prisoners and Ukrainian citizens (t.me/Koord_shtab)
Belarusian citizens imprisoned on political grounds were also handed over to Ukraine. They included well-known political and civic figures Maria Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, and journalist Marina Zolotova.
After receiving medical assistance, they will be transported, at their request, to Poland and Lithuania.
Photo: Belarus released political prisoners and Ukrainian citizens (t.me/Koord_shtab)
"The current operation to return civilian citizens is an example of successful cooperation between the United States and Ukraine," the Coordination Headquarters said.
The Coordination Headquarters continues efforts to secure the return of other citizens. Those who were released will receive all necessary medical care.
"We express our gratitude to the United States and President Donald Trump for their effective work in returning Ukrainian civilians and military personnel from the territory of Belarus and Russia," the Headquarters added.
Photo: Belarus released political prisoners and Ukrainian citizens (t.me/Koord_shtab)
Previous operations to repatriate Ukrainian citizens from Belarus and Russia have demonstrated the effectiveness of diplomatic coordination between Kyiv and Washington. The successful release of Ukrainians and political figures underscores the role of international pressure and coordination in protecting citizens' rights and supporting political freedoms.
Notably, Lukashenko announced an amnesty for 123 political prisoners, including opposition figures Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kalesnikava.
Kalesnikava, a member of the Belarusian Presidium of the Coordination Council, was a suspect in a case alleging an attempted seizure of power. The case was opened under Article 361 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.
This was not the first release of Belarusian opposition figures. In June, Lukashenko pardoned 14 prisoners, including opposition activist Syarhey Tsikhanouski.
