Belarus has pardoned several Ukrainian citizens who were involved in criminal activities. Why did Belarus pardon the criminal Ukrainians? This question arises in the minds of readers upon hearing this stunning news.
Ukrainian citizens under an agreement reached between President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump. State television announced the decision after confirming the presidential order. Lukashenko’s spokeswoman, Natalia Eismont, said the pardoned individuals had committed criminal offenses in Belarus. She stated that Ukraine had formally requested the pardon. Belarusian authorities are transferring the Ukrainians to Kyiv immediately.
Eismont said the pardon resulted from direct agreements between Lukashenko and Trump. She added that the move aimed to create conditions that support a settlement of the war in Ukraine. Belarus framed the gesture as part of broader diplomatic efforts in the region.
Washington has partly lifted sanctions on Belarus’ state airline, Belavia, as part of the deal.
The United States allowed the carrier to service and acquire parts for its Boeing aircraft. Belavia had struggled under previous restrictions that limited maintenance options.
Trump has pushed Belarus to release political prisoners during his recent contacts with Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader has ruled since 1994 and has heavily restricted media and political opposition. International groups have repeatedly accused him of suppressing dissent.
Belarus has often charged critics and opponents with extremism. Courts have issued long sentences against protesters, journalists, activists and religious figures. It remains unclear what charges the freed Ukrainians previously faced. Rights groups say Belarus continues to hold more than 1,000 political prisoners.
Lukashenko recently freed dozens of detainees considered political prisoners by international observers.
These releases included well-known activists, journalists and clerics. Western governments welcomed those steps but demanded broader reforms.
According to Belarussian spokesewoman, 31 Ukrainians release and transfer marks one of the most visible concessions under the new U.S.-Belarus arrangement. The gesture reflected Minsk’s willingness to support regional stability, she added.
