Overview
- Belarus said the Ukrainians were freed as a goodwill gesture and handed over to Kyiv at Ukraine’s request, according to presidential spokesperson Natalia Eismont.
- The move follows U.S.-mediated steps earlier this year that produced the release of 51 detainees and partial easing of restrictions on state airline Belavia.
- Trump announced lawyer John Cole would serve as U.S. special envoy to Belarus to pursue additional prisoner releases.
- Belarus indicated more talks with the United States are planned in December as it seeks to recalibrate ties without severing its alignment with Russia.
- Rights group Viasna reports 1,257 political prisoners remain in Belarus, underscoring that recent pardons are selective rather than comprehensive.