Five Ukrainian civilians are returning home from Belarus thanks to the active role of the United States. Dictator Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 123 prisoners, five of whom are citizens of Ukraine. This was reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
HUR head Kyrylo Budanov spoke about the preparation of a special operation for the release of Ukrainian civilians in Belarus. Thanks to cooperation with the USA and intelligence agencies, several dozen people, including five Ukrainians, are already on their way to freedom. Zelensky emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring European countries.
Activation on the Russian Front
The President has instructed intelligence and other services to maximize their activity on the Russian front with the aim of releasing Ukrainian prisoners of war before the New Year. Zelensky urged not to cease efforts in freeing Ukrainians who remain in Russian captivity.
“We remember all our people who are still in Russian captivity. We thank everyone who helps return Ukrainians!”
Belarus and the Russian-Ukrainian War
Belarus does not wish to be drawn into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine out of fear of losing power, rather than in support of Putin. This position was expressed by former deputy head of the HUR Ministry of Defense Ilya Pavlenko at the Ostrog Forum 2025.
Pavlenko noted that Belarus has lost its military sovereignty, as evidenced by joint military exercises with Russia and the lack of resistance to Russian troops on its territory.
After active diplomatic work by the USA and Ukraine, five Ukrainians were released from captivity in Belarus. President Zelensky continues to negotiate for the release of his compatriots from other countries and is also actively trying to resolve the issue of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. He called on his allies and everyone who can help to join the efforts to free Ukrainian citizens.