Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 31 Ukrainians, reportedly as part of a deal with former U.S. President Donald Trump. In exchange, the U.S. partially lifted sanctions on Belarus’ state airline Belavia, enabling it to maintain and modernize its fleet, which includes Boeing aircraft. The move has sparked international debate, with many questioning the implications of such a pact and its impact on geopolitical tensions in the region.
Belavia, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2’t, has struggled to maintain its fleet due to restricted access to spare parts and technical support. The partial lifting of sanctions is expected to alleviate some of these challenges, though the extent of the impact remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that this agreement could signal a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy, focusing on strategic partnerships rather than punitive measures.
Meanwhile, the pardons of the 31 Ukrainians have raised concerns about the legality and humanitarian implications of the deal. While some view it as a diplomatic effort to ease tensions, others criticize the potential for abuse. The situation continues to draw attention from international observers, who are closely monitoring the developments for their impact on the ongoing geopolitical landscape.