Lukashenko Pardons 31 Ukrainian Citizens in Deal Linked to US-Belarus Agreements

Belarusian President Pardons 31 Ukrainians

Minsk, Belarus – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens who were serving sentences for various criminal offenses in Belarus. The announcement was made on Saturday, November 22, 2025, by Lukashenko's spokeswoman, Natalia Eismont. This act of clemency is reportedly a result of diplomatic agreements between President Lukashenko and former U.S. President Donald Trump, and was initiated at the request of Ukraine.

According to Eismont, the decision was guided by 'humanitarian principles' and made 'as a gesture of goodwill,' with the explicit aim of 'creating conditions for the settlement of the armed conflict in the neighboring state' – a reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The pardoned individuals are currently being transferred to Kyiv. Ukraine has confirmed the receipt of these 31 civilians, stating they had been detained and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to 11 years.

Diplomatic Context and US Involvement

The pardon comes within the framework of broader negotiations and agreements between Minsk and Washington. The Trump administration has been actively pressing Belarus to release political prisoners. In a reciprocal move, the United States has partially lifted sanctions on Belarus's state airline, Belavia, enabling it to service and acquire parts for its Boeing aircraft. This concession is significant for Minsk, which has faced extensive Western sanctions in recent years.

Lukashenko's spokeswoman confirmed that negotiations with the United States are in an 'active phase' and that Belarus remains 'open to dialogue.' This diplomatic engagement signals an effort by Minsk to thaw relations with the West.

Nature of Offenses and Broader Prisoner Releases

While the specific criminal offenses of the pardoned Ukrainians were not publicly detailed, Belarusian authorities have historically charged individuals who oppose or criticize the government with 'extremism,' often resulting in lengthy prison sentences. The identities of the pardoned Ukrainians were also not immediately disclosed.

This is not an isolated incident of pardons by President Lukashenko. Earlier this week, two Catholic priests, Andrey Yukhnevich and Heinrich Okolovich, were pardoned separately at the request of Pope Francis (or Pope Leo, depending on the source), following humanitarian appeals. Furthermore, in September, Lukashenko pardoned 25 individuals convicted of 'extremist crimes' ahead of Unity Day celebrations.

Ongoing Concerns Regarding Political Prisoners

Despite these releases, human rights organizations continue to highlight the significant number of political prisoners remaining in Belarusian jails. The Viasna Human Rights Centre reports that over 1,100 political prisoners are still incarcerated, including prominent figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition politician Maria Kalesnikava. The recent pardons are viewed by some as a strategic maneuver by Lukashenko to reduce his dependence on the Kremlin and potentially ease Western sanctions.