Belarus Frees 31 Ukrainians Under Lukashenko–Trump Deal Aimed at Easing Regional Tensions

Belarus has pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens as part of a diplomatic agreement brokered between President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump, state media announced on Saturday, November 22.

Presidential spokeswoman Natalia Eismont said the individuals, whose identities were not disclosed, had been convicted of various offences in Belarus. Their release, she noted, followed a request from Ukraine and formed part of broader negotiations aimed at reducing tensions linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The president has pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens who committed criminal offences on the territory of our country,” Eismont said. She added that the decision stemmed from “agreements reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko” and was intended to “create conditions for the settlement of the armed conflict in the neighbouring state.”

According to Eismont, the pardoned individuals were being transferred to Ukrainian authorities “right now.”

Under the wider diplomatic package, the United States has partially lifted sanctions on Belarusian state airline Belavia, granting it permission to service and obtain parts for its Boeing aircraft — a significant concession for Minsk, which has faced extensive Western sanctions in recent years.

Belarus continues to face criticism from human rights organisations for detaining political opponents, journalists, and activists under charges frequently described as politically motivated. Despite a recent wave of releases, more than 1,000 political prisoners are still believed to be held in Belarusian detention facilities.