Ukraine Hails U.S.-Backed Release of Five Nationals in Belarus

Five Ukrainians were released from Belarus in a U.S.-brokered prisoner swap, with President Zelenskiy expressing gratitude to the U.S. for their role. He directed Ukrainian intelligence to focus on future prisoner releases from Russia. Regular swaps have occurred since Russia's 2022 invasion.

In a significant diplomatic move, Belarus has released five Ukrainian prisoners as part of a U.S.-brokered deal, announced President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He expressed gratitude towards Washington for their active role in securing the release.

Zelenskiy highlighted the cooperation between Ukrainian intelligence and American partners in ensuring the return of nearly a hundred prisoners, including the five Ukrainians. He emphasized the importance of these efforts in aiding Ukraine's ongoing conflict.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine and Russia have engaged in regular prisoner swaps. Zelenskiy has instructed his intelligence services to prioritize facilitating additional prisoner releases ahead of the new year.

(With inputs from agencies.)