In a significant development, an American citizen identified as Youras Ziankovich, who has been detained in Belarus, has reportedly been released according to information provided by a U.S. official to CNN on Wednesday. The incident unfolds amidst ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Belarus, where Ziankovich was accused of being involved in a coup plot directed against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a leader known for his autocratic governance.
Ziankovich’s ordeal began back in 2021 when he was arrested in Moscow. Following his arrest, he was subsequently transported to Belarus’s capital, Minsk. During his detention, the allegations against him revolved around claims of collaboration with Western entities to orchestrate a coup to overthrow Lukashenko’s administration. However, officials from the U.S. State Department strongly refuted these allegations, asserting no involvement in any alleged coup attempt.
Significantly, the release of Youras Ziankovich was not a result of a prisoner exchange, as clarified by the official news source. This detail is crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding his release, suggesting that it may reflect a broader diplomatic engagement or a response from the Belarusian government rather than a direct negotiation focused solely on exchanging detainees.
The announcement of Ziankovich’s release received confirmation from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later on the same day. Although Rubio did not explicitly name Ziankovich in his remarks, he expressed gratitude towards the ongoing efforts to assist wrongfully detained U.S. citizens abroad. “Thanks to @POTUS’s leadership, Belarus has released another wrongfully detained U.S. citizen. No president has done so much, so quickly, to keep Americans safe abroad,” Rubio proclaimed in a post on the social media platform X.
Adding to this narrative, Global Reach, an advocacy organization that dedicated efforts to raise awareness for Ziankovich’s situation, highlighted that he had faced extensive isolation during his detention. Specifically, it was reported that he had not been able to connect with U.S. officials until January 2025, indicating a significant gap in diplomatic communication during his time in custody.
Alena Dzenisavets, Ziankovich’s wife, expressed profound relief and gratitude following news of her husband’s release. “I knew this day would come. It took 1,480 days, but he survived and is on his way home to me and to America,” she stated. Her comments reflect the emotional turmoil faced by families of detainees, as well as the lengthy battle for justice and transparency in cases involving wrongful imprisonment. Dzenisavets further extends her thanks to various individuals and organizations who played a role in advocating for her husband’s freedom, including President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Boehler, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, and nonprofit organizations like Global Reach and the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation.
As this story continues to unfold, officials involved in the case and various media outlets are expected to provide further updates. The societal and political implications of such a release are multifaceted, weaving into the complex fabric of U.S.-Belarus relations, human rights advocacy, and the ongoing discourse surrounding the treatment of detainees in foreign jurisdictions.
This breaking news reiterates the significance of international diplomacy and the relentless endeavors of advocacy groups that work tirelessly to draw attention to wrongful detentions globally. As developments are anticipated, both readers and stakeholders will likely keep a close watch on any further inquiries or responses from the U.S. government regarding the treatment of its citizens abroad.