The regime freed 29 men and two women, including individuals with serious health issues, in a move Minsk explicitly linked to deals with Washington.
MINSK — Belarus has released 31 Ukrainian citizens from prison, a move the regime of Alexander Lukashenko explicitly linked to “agreements reached with the United States.”
Lukashenko signed the pardon decree on Friday, freeing 29 men and two women who had been convicted on charges ranging from “extremism” and “terrorism” to “espionage” and “agent activity.”According to the Belarusian presidential press service, the decision is a “gesture of goodwill” grounded in humanitarian considerations.
The official statement detailed that among those released, 17 suffer from chronic diseases, three have disabilities, 27 have children, and seven are parents of large families.The release marks a rare instance of direct diplomatic coordination between Minsk and Washington regarding the war in Ukraine.
Belarus, a staunch ally of Russia that allowed its territory to be used as a launchpad for the 2022 invasion, has been under heavy Western sanctions.While the specific terms of the deal with the U.S. were not disclosed, the timing suggests a potential attempt by Lukashenko to open channels of communication with the West amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape.
The pardon exempts the individuals from serving the remainder of their sentences, though the Belarusian government noted they remain under a criminal record ban. The identities of the released Ukrainians were not immediately made public.
This development is notable as humanitarian exchanges in the conflict have typically been mediated by third parties like the Vatican, Qatar, or the UAE. The direct reference to the United States highlights a distinct diplomatic track.
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