Belarus Grants Clemency to 31 Ukrainians Amid Lukashenko-Trump Agreement

Belarus, a staunch ally of Russia, granted clemency to 31 Ukrainian nationals, as reported by state television on Saturday. This decision follows a deal between President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump has urged Belarus to release political detainees during discussions with Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 and has repressed free media and political dissent.

In return, the United States has eased some sanctions on Belarus’ national airline, Belavia, allowing it to procure parts and provide maintenance for its fleet, which includes Boeing planes.

“President Lukashenko has granted pardons to 31 Ukrainians who were found guilty of crimes within our borders,” stated Natalia Eismont, spokesperson for Lukashenko, on state television.

The pardons were requested by Ukraine and stemmed from “an agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus,” she explained.

This action is intended to “facilitate conditions for resolving the armed conflict in the neighboring nation,” Eismont added, alluding to the situation in Ukraine.

The unidentified Ukrainians are being transferred to Kyiv “immediately,” according to Eismont.

Belarus has a history of charging dissenters and critics of the government with “extremism,” often resulting in lengthy prison sentences. It remains unclear what specific charges the pardoned Ukrainians faced.

Previously, Lukashenko had released many political prisoners, including notable dissidents, journalists, and religious leaders.

However, rights organizations report that over 1,000 political prisoners are still incarcerated in Belarus.