Events

Russia, Ukraine exchange civilians in Belarus

GOMEL, 13 August (BelTA) – Another exchange of civilians between Russia and Ukraine took place in the border area of Belarus on 13 August, BelTA has learned.

Belarus continues its humanitarian mission, once again serving as a platform for a civilian exchange. Eight people proceeded to Russia, and seven to Ukraine. The humanitarian swap took place at the Novaya Guta checkpoint on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.

For instance, Aleksandr, a retiree who previously suffered a stroke, is being transported in an ICU ambulance. He is accompanied by a paramedic who is fully aware of his medical condition, understands the details of his diagnosis, provides the necessary care, and performs medical procedures right inside the vehicle. “I’m doing more or less okay. I can’t wait to hug my son, we haven’t seen each other in a long time. It’s good to finally be at the Belarusian border – just a little longer and he’ll meet me. I’ll be home very soon,” he said.

At the Novaya Guta checkpoint, the cell phone of 85-year-old Lyubov caught a signal. Hearing her grandson’s voice, the woman lit up with a warm smile. “Deniska, everything is fine, everything is okay. I’m already at the border in Belarus. They are treating me well. I hope we’ll see each other very soon. I missed you so much,” she said. The woman is heading to her daughter in Ukraine. She was comfortably seated in a minibus, with her wheelchair placed nearby. Her family is ready to welcome her.

Raisa, another retiree, is also eagerly looking forward to reuniting with her relatives. A native of Kherson Oblast, she dreams of stepping into her own backyard and weeding her garden plot. “Thank God, I’ve waited so long for this moment. I miss my family, my granddaughters, and my great-granddaughters so much,” she said, unable to hide her emotions.

“I’m so glad to finally be in Belarus. If my legs could carry me, I’d run all the way home, even though the provided travel conditions were perfect. My son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren are waiting for me in Tyumen,” Larisa said. She had traveled to Ukraine to visit her parents before the COVID-19 pandemic and had remained there ever since. “My husband and I caught the coronavirus. We both suffered very severe complications. Now I have trouble with my legs, and he has problems with his eyesight. I really want to hug my loved ones. I can’t even believe it will happen so soon,” she added.

Valentina had also not seen her family for several years. She arrived in Belarus with a flutter in her heart. “Previously, I couldn’t cross the border due to a lack of vaccinations. The vaccination process took some time, and then a conflict arose. I am very grateful for the help. Everything is fine, everything is definitely okay now,” she assured. Belarusian medics checked the woman’s blood pressure, making sure she was doing well.

After more than 10 years, 25-year-old Gennady will finally be able to hug his mother. He is heading to see her now and remains in touch with her. There had been an issue with his paperwork – his passport had expired. Right now, he feels a bit anxious before the long-awaited meeting.

At the checkpoint, citizens were provided with hot meal kits containing soup, a main course, as well as drinking water and fruit.

The Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Russia and Belarus is accompanying the humanitarian mission. Operations Coordinator of the ICRC Regional Delegation Assem Elessawy noted the importance of such humanitarian operations for family reunification and the return of individuals to their country of nationality. According to him, there are situations when people experience difficulties due to transport limitations. “For example, they cannot return home on their own. We can provide this kind of support too – arranging delivery by regular or specialized transport, depending on the request. We process each case individually, planning everything from the route to ensuring the necessary conditions,” he emphasized.

Belarusian ambulance crews are on duty at the checkpoint. Paramedics stand ready to provide any necessary medical assistance or consultation to the citizens.

An exchange of the bodies of the fallen soldiers also took place on 13 August, with Russia handing over 261 bodies of fallen soldiers and Ukraine returning 24 bodies of Russian servicemen.

Belarus has once again demonstrated its commitment to peace, providing safe corridors and facilities for exchanges of prisoners of war, civilians, and the bodies of fallen soldiers from both countries. In recent years, Belarus has hosted more than 70 exchange operations between Russia and Ukraine.