Ukrainian and Belarusian political figures who were detained on the territory of the Republic of Belarus have returned to Ukraine. A total of 114 civilians were released. This action was carried out on the instructions of the President of Ukraine. Among those released were Ukrainians accused of espionage, as well as Belarusian public and political figures, including Maria Alexandrovna, Viktor Babariko, Marina Zolotova, and others.
❤️🩹 Budanov showed the first footage of the released political prisoners and Ukrainians who arrived in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/5uGNBtPPtD
— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) December 13, 2025
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, met the released individuals at the border between the countries. He also thanked the United States and President Donald Trump for their assistance in returning Ukrainians from the territory of Belarus.
The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, pardoned 123 prisoners after meeting with U.S. President's special envoy John Cole. https://t.co/TK3P5TTwnX pic.twitter.com/aqMkZBe2sQ
— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) December 13, 2025
The Role of the USA in the Return of Ukrainians from Belarus
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reported that thanks to the active role of the United States, five Ukrainians were able to return from Belarus. In total, 123 prisoners were pardoned under the leadership of dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
In November 2025, a successful operation to return civilians from Belarus also took place. Thanks to negotiations, 31 citizens returned to Ukrainian territory.
The return of Ukrainians and Belarusian political figures from Belarus to Ukraine occurred under pressure from the international community and the active support of the United States. The efforts of Ukrainian and American diplomats and intelligence representatives enabled the restoration of freedom for many released individuals and contributed to changes in approaches on the political arena of Belarus.