Belarus has pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens as part of a diplomatic agreement reached between President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump, state television announced on Saturday, November 22. According to presidential spokeswoman Natalia Eismont, the individuals, who were not publicly identified, had been convicted of various criminal offences in Belarus. Their release, she said, was initiated at Ukraines request and formed part of broader negotiations aimed at easing tensions surrounding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The president has pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens who committed criminal offences on the territory of our country, Eismont said, noting that the move stemmed from agreements reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. She added that the decision was intended to help create conditions for the settlement of the armed conflict in the neighbouring state. The pardoned Ukrainians were being handed over to Kyiv right now, according to the spokeswoman. As part of the wider diplomatic arrangement, Washington has partially lifted sanctions on Belaruss state airline Belavia, allowing it to service and obtain parts for its Boeing aircraft, a notable concession for Minsk, which has been under heavy Western sanctions in recent years. Belarus has long been criticised for imprisoning political opponents, journalists, and activists under what human rights groups describe as extremism charges. Although Lukashenko recently released several dissidents, more than 1,000 political prisoners are still believed to be held in Belarusian jails.
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