Belarus Hands Over 114 Civilians to Ukraine in U.S.-Backed Humanitarian Operation
Belarus has transferred 114 civilian detainees to Ukraine in a major humanitarian operation coordinated by Ukrainian intelligence and supported by the United States, Ukrainian officials said on Saturday.
The Gaze reports this, referring to a statement made by Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The operation was conducted following prior negotiations with the Belarusian authorities and with active involvement from U.S. partners. It was overseen on the ground by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Among those released are Ukrainian civilians who had been held in Belarus and accused of cooperating with Ukrainian security services. The youngest Ukrainian freed in the exchange is 25 years old; his wife had been released earlier, on November 22.
“This humanitarian action became possible thanks to effective agreements, joint efforts, and sustained engagement with international partners,” said Andrii Yusov, deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters. He emphasized the role of U.S. mediation in facilitating the transfer.
In addition to Ukrainian nationals, Belarus also released several of its own citizens who had been imprisoned on politically motivated charges and were serving lengthy sentences. Those freed reportedly include prominent Belarusian figures such as opposition-linked activist Maria Aleksandrova, former presidential contender Viktor Babariko, and journalist Marina Zolotova.
Following medical evaluations, the released Belarusian citizens will be transported to Poland and Lithuania at their request, Ukrainian officials said.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) expressed special gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Special Envoy to Belarus John Cole, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Christopher Smith, noting that the operation would not have been possible without their direct involvement.
The intelligence agency also highlighted what it described as continued constructive engagement with the Belarusian side on humanitarian issues related to the release and return of civilians.
All individuals transferred during the operation will receive medical, psychological, and legal assistance, Ukrainian authorities said.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also strongly criticized a fresh surge of politically driven arrests in Belarus, accusing the Lukashenko authorities of intensifying repression under the pretext of the so-called “Belaruski Hajun” case.
In a statement, the ministry warned that in today’s Belarus, virtually any action can be used to brand a person a “traitor,” reflecting what it described as an increasingly arbitrary and punitive system.
As The Gaze pre reported, on November 22, Ukraine has brought home 31 of its citizens who had been detained and imprisoned in Belarus, following a complex operation coordinated by the government and intelligence services.
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