Belarus released five prisoners—three Polish citizens and two Moldovan nationals—in a negotiated exchange involving Poland, Russia, and Western nations.
Belarus-Russia Prisoner Exchange Details Emerge
The release of Andrzej Poczobut was part of a specific exchange. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed Poland transferred historian Aleksandr Butiagin to Russia, who was then handed over to Ukraine as part of the agreement.
The operation involved the United States, Romania, and other regional partners, indicating a coordinated diplomatic effort to secure the release of individuals held by the regime in Minsk.
Andrzej Poczobut’s Case
Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist and activist for the Polish minority in Belarus, was released. He was detained in March 2021 and sentenced two years later to eight years in a strict-regime penal colony, and was internationally recognized as a political prisoner.
Other Polish Citizens Released
Also released was Grzegorz Gaweł, a monk detained in autumn 2024 by Belarusian KGB, accused of gathering information about the Zapad-25 military exercises and attempting to recruit contacts. A Polish entrepreneur, sentenced to 14 years in prison on espionage charges, was also freed; details about his identity were not widely publicized.
Moldovan Nationals Also Freed
Belarus also released two Moldovan citizens, confirmed by President Maia Sandu, thanks to cooperation with the USA and European partners, including Poland and Romania. Both Moldovans had previously been held in Russian captivity.
Scale of Political Imprisonment in Belarus
Despite the release of five individuals, the situation in Belarus remains largely unchanged. Human rights organizations report nearly 1000 political prisoners remain in Belarusian jails, including journalists, activists, opposition figures, and those accused of anti-state activity.
Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska acknowledged the long-awaited release of Poczobut but emphasized the scale of repression by the authorities in Minsk.
