Belarusian Leader Pardons 31 Ukrainians
Minsk, Belarus – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has pardoned and released 31 Ukrainian citizens who were held in Belarus, state news agency Belta reported on November 22, 2025. The decision was made in accordance with agreements reached between President Lukashenko and US President Donald Trump, at the request of Ukraine. Lukashenko's spokesperson, Natalia Eismont, stated that the move was a 'gesture of goodwill' aimed at 'creating conditions for the settlement of the armed conflict in the neighboring state'.
Details of the Released Individuals
Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the return of the 31 civilians. These individuals, both men and women, had been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to 11 years in Belarus. Their ages span from 18 to 58 years old. Among those released are individuals reportedly suffering from serious illnesses, including cancer. While the specific charges against them were not immediately disclosed by Belarusian authorities, Ukrainian officials indicated that these were civilians held for a 'pro-Ukrainian position' and accused of 'aiding and abetting Ukraine'. Belarus has a history of charging government critics and opponents with 'extremism'.
US Mediation and Broader Context
The release underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States. President Donald Trump has actively pushed for the release of political prisoners in Belarus. This latest release follows previous instances where Belarus freed other political prisoners, including 52 individuals in September 2025, and two Roman Catholic priests earlier in November, after diplomatic contacts with the Vatican. In exchange for earlier prisoner releases, Washington had partially lifted sanctions on Belarus's state airline, Belavia, allowing it to service and buy parts for its Boeing aircraft. President Trump had also named a special envoy to Belarus, John Cole, tasked with negotiating further releases.
Belarus's Bid for Improved Western Ties
The pardons are widely viewed as part of President Lukashenko's broader strategy to mend relations with the West. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has faced Western sanctions due to its human rights record and its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. By releasing prisoners, Lukashenko aims to foster better ties and potentially secure an easing of these sanctions. Despite these releases, human rights organizations like Viasna report that over 1,000 political prisoners still remain incarcerated in Belarus.
6 Comments
Africa
It's a distraction from the ongoing repression. The human rights situation remains dire.
Bermudez
The article frames this as a gesture of goodwill, which is good for those released. But it's also clear that Belarus is using these releases as leverage to mend relations with the West, without fundamentally changing its human rights record.
Bella Ciao
Any release of unjustly held individuals is welcome news, especially those suffering from illness. However, Lukashenko's true motives are likely tied to easing sanctions and improving his international image, not genuine reform.
Donatello
The release of these prisoners is a positive outcome of diplomatic efforts, but it also highlights how many more political prisoners remain. It's a small victory in a much larger struggle for human rights.
Raphael
Why are we rewarding a dictator with sanctions relief for releasing people he shouldn't have held in the first place?
BuggaBoom
So glad these innocent people are going home. A small win in a dark time.