"Ukraine's prisoner exchange coordination committee confirmed the action on November 22, saying it received the civilians from Belarusian authorities. "Women and men detained in Belarus and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to 11 years are returning to Ukraine," the coordination committee said on Telegram. "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," it added."
"Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has authorized several prisoner releases over the past year as he seeks to improve relations with the West. The Belarus strongmen is hoping better ties will lead to an easing of Western sanctions, imposed following the country's cooperation with Russia in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But while Minsk basks in the narrative of warming relations with Washington, dark questions have been raised by accounts of torture and mistreatment related by previously released prisoners."
Aleksandr Lukashenko pardoned and released 31 Ukrainian citizens held in Belarus as part of an agreement with US President Donald Trump. Ukraine's prisoner exchange coordination committee confirmed on November 22 that it received the civilians from Belarusian authorities. The released individuals include women and men sentenced to terms ranging from two to 11 years. Ukrainian officials described them as civilians held for a pro‑Ukrainian position and accused of aiding and abetting Ukraine. Lukashenko has pursued releases to improve relations with the West and seek sanction relief, amid reports of torture by some previously released prisoners.
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