On December 13, it became known that Alexander Lukashenko, who considers himself the president of Belarus, pardoned 123 “citizens of various countries” as part of the “agreements reached” with US President Donald Trump and “at his request.” 109 citizens of Belarus arrived in Ukraine, convicted in politically motivated cases after the 2020 presidential elections and the subsequent protests, the project “I Want to Live” reported.
“An important step was ensured by the GUR: five Ukrainians were returned from Belarus. These are our civilians. Along with them, there are also Belarusian political prisoners in Ukraine now who were released thanks to agreements with America. In particular, among them are Maria Kolesnikova, Viktor Babariko and others. I spoke with Maria today – I’m glad that people are finally free,” Zelensky said.
He added that he spoke several times with the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Kirill Budanov, during the operation.
“Now it is important that there be results in the Russian direction – that the exchanges of our people, our prisoners, be resumed,” Zelensky emphasized. “Ukrainian military and civilians must return home from Russian captivity. Along all lines, with all partners, work must be significantly intensified.”
Lukashenko's speaker Natalya Eismont reported that those pardoned by him were exchanged to Ukraine for Belarusian and Russian prisoners of war. However, in “I Want to Live” her words were refuted.
