Archive · 15 Dec 2025
Belarus Releases Opposition Leaders, No Regrets
Two important leaders in Belarus, Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, were let out of prison.
They talked to journalists and said they don't regret anything they did.
Maria is a musician and said she will now focus on music, art, and spending time with loved ones.
Viktar, a former banker, said he might return to public life if needed.
They were part of a group of 123 prisoners released, with most going to Ukraine.
Many other political prisoners are still in Belarus.
Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, prominent Belarusian opposition leaders, were released from prison and addressed journalists in Ukraine.
They expressed no regrets over their actions that led to their incarceration, stating they believed in their cause.
Kalesnikava, a musician, plans to focus on music, art, and personal relationships.
Babaryka, a former banker, did not rule out returning to public life if needed.
The release was part of a deal brokered by the U.S., with 123 prisoners freed, 114 taken to Ukraine and 9 to Lithuania.
- Who
- Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, prominent Belarusian opposition leaders
- What
- Their release from prison and subsequent press conference
- When
- December 14, 2023 (a day after their release)
- Where
- An undisclosed location in Ukraine
- Why
- They were released as part of a deal brokered by the U.S., with Belarus receiving an offer of relief from sanctions
- Number of prisoners released
- 123
- Prisoners taken to Ukraine
- 114
- Prisoners taken to Lithuania
- 9
- Maria Kalesnikava's sentence
- 11 years
- Viktar Babaryka's age
- 62
- Estimated remaining political prisoners
- 1,227
- Negotiator for U.S.
- John Coale
- Belarusian President
- Alexander Lukashenko