From Washington Examiner: Belarus freed more than 100 political prisoners, including one U.S. citizen, on Saturday after President Donald Trump began lifting sanctions on a key Belarusian export.
“The latest release of 123 individuals, including one U.S. citizen, six citizens of U.S. Allies, and five Ukrainian citizens, is a significant milestone in U.S.-Belarus engagement,” a U.S. official said, per Politico. “The United States stands ready for additional engagement with Belarus that advances U.S. interests and will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to free remaining political prisoners in Belarus.”
The U.S. citizen was not identified, but Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and political activist Maria Kolesnikova were among the Belarusian nationals released.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, presented details regarding the preparationof a special mission to free civilians held in Belarus.
“Thanks to the active role of the United States and the cooperation of our intelligence agencies, around one hundred people are regaining their freedom now, including five Ukrainians. We are helping our American partners so that the relevant support is provided to Ukraine. As needed, the special services of our European neighbors are also involved.
“I have instructed the Defense Intelligence and all services represented in our Coordination Headquarters to maximize efforts on the Russian direction so that the release of Ukrainian POWs can take place before the New Year. We remember all our people who still remain in Russian captivity.
“I thank everyone who is helping to bring Ukrainians home! are helping our American partners so that the relevant support is provided to Ukraine.
“As needed, the special services of our European neighbors are also involved.
“I have instructed the Defense Intelligence and all services represented in our Coordination Headquarters to maximize efforts on the Russian direction so that the release of Ukrainian POWs can take place before the New Year.
“We remember all our people who still remain in Russian captivity. I thank everyone who is helping to bring Ukrainians home!”
Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, presented details regarding the preparation of a special mission to free civilians held in Belarus. Thanks to the active role of the United States and the cooperation of our intelligence agencies, around one hundred…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 13, 2025
Read more at Washington Examiner
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