The United States is working to secure the release of Belarusian political prisoners, with Ukraine assisting by sharing its experience, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While some prisoners have been released through this collaboration, many have been unable to return to Belarus and have been forced to seek refuge elsewhere.
Prisoner Exchanges with Russia Stalled
Zelenskyy stated in December that prisoner exchanges with Russia have effectively stalled due to actions by the aggressor country. Prior to the New Year, Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, had reached preliminary agreements with the Russian side for a large-scale exchange, but the process was subsequently delayed and ultimately did not occur.
As of December 31, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that more than 10,000 Russian soldiers have been captured since the start of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian forces are currently taking an average of 60 to 90 enemy combatants prisoner each week.
Zelenskyy also expressed hope that the US will use its influence to help secure the release of Ukrainian political prisoners currently held by Russia.
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