Zelenskyy says five Ukrainians released from Belarus with US support
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Belarus, in coordination with the United States, has released a number of political prisoners, including five Ukrainian citizens, who are now returning home, reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, reported on the preparation of special operations to free Ukrainian citizens imprisoned in Belarus.
"Thanks to the active role of the United States and the cooperation of our intelligence agencies, around one hundred people are regaining their freedom now, including five Ukrainians. We are helping our American partners so that the relevant support is provided to Ukraine. As needed, the special services of our European neighbors are also involved," Zelenskyy said.
He added that he instructed the Defense Intelligence and other services represented in the Coordination Headquarters to maximize efforts to free Ukrainian POWs held in Russia.
"The release of Ukrainian POWs can take place before the New Year. We remember all our people who still remain in Russian captivity. I thank everyone who is helping to bring Ukrainians home!" he said.
Meanwhile, Belarus confirmed that, under an agreement with the United States, 123 political prisoners are being released. The announcement was published by channels unofficially linked to President Lukashenko. The release has been associated with the lifting of sanctions on Belarus's potash industry.
"The head of state has decided to pardon 123 citizens of various countries who were convicted under the laws of the Republic of Belarus for committing crimes of various types," one channel wrote.
Overall, the channels reported that, with the support of other countries, 156 people have recently been released from Belarusian detention, including citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia, Australia, and Japan.
On December 13, the United States decided to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash, US Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole announced.
The US imposed sanctions on the state-owned enterprise Belaruskali in August 2021, following the final dispersal of protests against President Lukashenko by Belarusian security forces and the widespread arrests, torture, and imprisonment of democratic activists. Before the sanctions, Belarus supplied about 20% of the global potash fertilizer market, with potash exports accounting for over 20% of the country's total exports.
