"It's Been A Long Time Coming."
- 14.12.2025, 10:02
Maria Kolesnikova's sister told about her release and removal to Ukraine.
Maria Kolesnikova's relatives do not know yet how and when they will be able to meet her. Despite this, they are happy about the ex-political prisoner's release, Kolesnikova's sister Tatiana Khomich told "Zerkalo".
When asked by journalists whether it is known when the family will be able to meet with Maria, Tatiana answered negatively.
-"Now we will also find out when [they] will be able to get to us, [how exactly it] will be. In fact, so far it's not very clear," she said.
According to Kolesnikova's sister, the freed were taken to Ukraine spontaneously. And all so that they "could not be met here [in Lithuania]".
- But I think the most important thing is that they are at liberty. And this [taking them to Ukraine] is already a less important, secondary issue. We have been waiting for them for so many years, and we will solve this," Khomich said confidently.
Even before it became known that the political prisoners would be taken to Ukraine, Tetyana told Zerkalo about her first conversation with her sister after many years.
- It was short. Masha, of course, was very happy to see me. Said she loved me, sent her regards to everyone. And thanked the efforts of the United States, President Trump, the Belarusian side for these negotiations, for the opportunity to be free. She's very happy about it. She's looking forward to seeing us all, hugging us. So I was immensely happy to see her smile," Khomich described.
Maria Kolesnikova looked good, her sister added. And she shared that she was looking forward to the meeting, which she had been waiting for and fighting for for many years.
Lukashenko released 123 political prisoners yesterday.
The released include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, opposition politician Pavel Seviarynets, human rights activist Vladimir Lobkovich and a number of other prisoners of conscience.
The majority of those pardoned were forcibly taken to Ukraine.