Kyiv Secures Release of 31 Ukrainians Imprisoned in Belarus
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.
The Gaze reports this, referring to UATV, citing a statement made by Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The group includes civilians who were arrested on various charges and handed prison sentences ranging from two to eleven years.
Those released are between 18 and 58 years old, and several require urgent medical care, including individuals suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer.
The Coordination Headquarters said the return was made possible through intensive negotiations and the involvement of international partners.
Ukrainian officials expressed particular gratitude to the United States and President Donald Trump for contributing to the broader effort to secure the release of Ukrainian civilians and service members from Belarus and Russia.
“The liberated Ukrainians will receive full medical assistance and rehabilitation,” the agency said, noting that the government is closely monitoring their health and recovery.
As Russia and Belarus continue to detain Ukrainians on politically motivated charges, every successful return demonstrates Kyiv’s ability to defend its citizens beyond its borders.
The Coordination Headquarters stressed that work is continuing to bring home all Ukrainians who remain in captivity or are unlawfully detained abroad.
The United States is also taking significant steps to normalize relations with Belarus, signaling plans to reopen its embassy in Minsk and officially lifting sanctions on the state airline Belavia, as confirmed by Deputy Special Representative for Ukraine John Cole following meetings with President Alexander Lukashenko.
As The Gaze informed earlier, satellite images reveal that Belarus has significantly expanded and modernized its military infrastructure over the past three years, including airfields, border bases, and ammunition depots.