Ukraine brings home 31 civilians freed from Belarusian prisons
Photo: Ukraine has returned 31 civilians from Belarus (t.me/Koord_shtab)
Today, November 22, Ukraine returned 31 civilians from Belarus who had been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from 2 to 11 years, according to Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
"Today, Ukraine and Belarus held an event to return civilians. As a result of successful negotiations, 31 citizens who were detained in the Republic of Belarus were returned to Ukraine," the Coordination Headquarters says.
Women and men detained in Belarus and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from 2 to 11 years are returning to Ukraine.
The youngest Ukrainian woman released today is 18 years old, and the oldest is 58. Among the released civilians are people with serious illnesses, including cancer.
"We express our gratitude to the United States of America and President Donald Trump for their fruitful work in returning Ukrainian civilians and military personnel from Belarus and Russia," the headquarters says in a statement.
All freed Ukrainians will receive the necessary medical care and rehabilitation.
Source: Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War
Source: Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War
Source: Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War
Background
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens, who will return to their homeland today. Two Catholic priests were also pardoned. It is reported that their release took place at the request of Pope Leo XIV.
In addition, in June this year, Belarus released 14 prisoners at Trump's request. Among them was Belarusian opposition figure Sergei Tikhonovsky.
Also, on September 11, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said that 52 prisoners had been released in Belarus. At the same time, there were reports in the media that the US would soon lift sanctions against the Belarusian airline Belavia, which happened this week, on November 4.
In August, Trump and Lukashenko had a telephone conversation. They discussed the release of political prisoners and other issues. This happened on the eve of the summit between the leaders of the US and Russia in Anchorage.
