Belarus Offers Political Prisoner Release to Ukraine Amid Sanctions Easing

On December 14, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Belarus had proposed to release political prisoners through Ukrainian territory rather than via European Union countries. This information was relayed to Zelensky by Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR). The offer follows a recent mass release of 123 political prisoners in Belarus, which included prominent opposition figures such as Maria Kalesnikava and Viktor Babaryka, and was linked to the U.S. lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash exports.

Kyiv IndependentBelarus Frees Nobel Laureate and Opposition Leaders After U.S. Eases Sanctions

The mass release of political prisoners occurred on December 13, 2023, shortly after discussions between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. envoy John Coale. This release is noted as the largest since the U.S. began re-engaging with Lukashenko earlier in the year. The prisoners had been detained following protests against the disputed 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which sparked significant civil unrest. The U.S. strategy aims to reduce Moscow's influence over Belarus, which has been a staunch ally of Russia during its invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus Frees Nobel Laureate and Opposition Leaders After U.S. Eases SanctionsKyiv Independent

Zelensky expressed support for the transfer of prisoners to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue of political prisoners, which includes both Ukrainian and Belarusian nationals. Five of the 123 released prisoners were identified as Ukrainian citizens. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, described the decision to transfer prisoners to Ukraine instead of Lithuania as "unexpected."

Kyiv IndependentBelarus Frees Nobel Laureate and Opposition Leaders After U.S. Eases Sanctions

While the releases have been welcomed, there is caution among Belarusian opposition leaders. Tsikhanouskaya warned that Lukashenko's regime remains unchanged, and the easing of sanctions could inadvertently strengthen Belarus's support for Russia's military efforts. Human rights organizations, such as Viasna, report that over 1,200 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, highlighting ongoing repression despite the recent releases.

Belarus Frees Nobel Laureate and Opposition Leaders After U.S. Eases SanctionsKyiv Independent

Zelensky stated, "I said: of course, we support this and are ready to receive them," underlining Ukraine's commitment to addressing the plight of political prisoners. Ales Bialiatski, a released Nobel Peace Prize laureate, expressed gratitude to U.S. diplomats for their role in his release but clarified that he had not sought a pardon.

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• “I said: of course, we support this and are ready to receive them,” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

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• “Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya warned that Lukashenka’s policies remain unchanged and that repression continues.” — Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Exiled Belarusian Opposition Leader

Belarus Frees Nobel Laureate and Opposition Leaders After U.S. Eases Sanctions

There are discrepancies regarding the exact number of political prisoners currently held in Belarus, with human rights groups reporting over 1,200 still imprisoned, while the Belarusian government has not provided a clear account. The long-term implications of the U.S. sanctions relief on Belarus's political landscape remain uncertain, as critics argue it may embolden further repression.

Belarus Frees Nobel Laureate and Opposition Leaders After U.S. Eases Sanctions

This situation underscores the complex dynamics between Belarus, Ukraine, and the West, as humanitarian gestures are exchanged for economic concessions amidst ongoing authoritarian rule.

Kyiv Independent