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114 Civilians Freed From Belarusian Prisons After Successful Talks, Including Five Ukrainians

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Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk
Cyril Barabaltchouk
News Writer
114 Civilians Freed From Belarusian Prisons After Successful Talks, Including Five Ukrainians
A released activist gestures from the bus after the transfer of political prisoners and Ukrainian citizens. (Source: Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War)

Belarus has handed over 114 civilians to Ukraine, including Ukrainian citizens, following successful negotiations and prior agreements between the two countries. This transfer was facilitated with the assistance of the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (KShPPV) and the US, KShPPV wrote in a post on Telegram on December 13.

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The youngest of the freed individuals is a 25-year-old Ukrainian, who had been detained in Belarus and accused of working for Ukrainian intelligence services. The exchange also included Belarusian citizens who were imprisoned for political reasons, such as prominent public figures and activists, including Maria Alexandrova, Viktor Babariko, and journalist Marina Zolotova.

A KShPPV bus transports some of the 114 civilians released by Belarus back to Ukraine on December 13. (Source: KShPPV)
A KShPPV bus transports some of the 114 civilians released by Belarus back to Ukraine on December 13. (Source: KShPPV)
Families reunite with loved ones returned from Belarusian detention after successful negotiations. (Source: KShPPV)
Families reunite with loved ones returned from Belarusian detention after successful negotiations. (Source: KShPPV)
Families reunite with loved ones returned from Belarusian detention after successful negotiations. (Source: KShPPV)
Families reunite with loved ones returned from Belarusian detention after successful negotiations. (Source: KShPPV)
Released Ukrainian and Belarusian citizens travel to safety, with some set to continue to Poland and Lithuania. (Source: KShPPV)
Released Ukrainian and Belarusian citizens travel to safety, with some set to continue to Poland and Lithuania. (Source: KShPPV)
One of the freed civilians arrives in Ukraine following the US-facilitated exchange operation. (Source: KShPPV)
One of the freed civilians arrives in Ukraine following the US-facilitated exchange operation. (Source: KShPPV)

“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. We also thank all the state agencies involved for their assistance and cooperation,” KShPPV wrote.

After receiving necessary medical assistance, the Belarusian detainees will be sent to Poland and Lithuania, according to KShPPV.

Previously, it was reported that the US has lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, which previously accounted for 20% of global supply. This decision was confirmed by US Special Representative to Belarus, John Cole, who stated that the move follows US President Trump’s directives, The Moscow Times reported, citing Belarussian state media.

Cole emphasized that the US intends to continue negotiations with Belarus, with more sanctions likely to be lifted as relations normalize between the two nations.

“In accordance with President Trump’s directive, the US is lifting sanctions on potash. I think this is a very good move by the US for Belarus. We are lifting them now,” Cole stated.

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