Belarus, a close ally of Russia, announced the pardon of 31 Ukrainian citizens, as reported by state television on Saturday. This decision is part of an agreement made between President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump has urged Belarus to release political prisoners during discussions with Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 and has suppressed independent media and political dissent.

In return for the pardons, the United States has partially lifted sanctions on Belarus’s national airline, Belavia, which will now be allowed to maintain and acquire parts for its airplanes, including Boeing models.

“The President has pardoned 31 Ukrainians who committed offenses on our territory,” stated Natalia Eismont, a spokesperson for Lukashenko, during the broadcast.

The pardon, which was requested by Ukraine, stems from “the agreements reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko,” she added.

This initiative is intended to “foster conditions for resolving the armed conflict in the neighboring country,” Eismont noted, referring to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The identities of the Ukrainians were not disclosed, but Eismont mentioned that they are being transferred to Kyiv “right now.”

Belarus has commonly accused those who oppose or criticize the regime of “extremism,” leading to lengthy prison sentences. It remains unclear what specific charges were brought against the released Ukrainians.

Previously, Lukashenko had released numerous political prisoners, including notable dissidents, journalists, and religious leaders.

As reported by human rights organizations, over 1,000 political prisoners are still incarcerated in Belarusian facilities.