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President Volodymyr Zelensky advocates extradition of a number of Russia's Wagner PMC troops, earlier detained in Belarus as local security officials say the group was set to destabilize the country amid the ongoing presidential election campaign.

Zelensky voiced the extradition request during his Wednesday's talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, the President's Office reports.

The parties are reported to have discussed the recent detention of Wagner troops, noting cooperation in the context of handover to Ukraine of persons suspected of terrorist activities on its territory.

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The press service noted that Zelensky "is convinced that those involved in the actions of illegal [armed] groups in Donbas won't succeed in escaping fair punishment."

"I hope that all suspects involved in terrorism on the Ukrainian soil will be handed over for prosecution in accordance with the current international legal agreements," Zelensky is quoted as saying.

Read alsoBelarus asks Ukraine to check detained Russian Wagner PMC members' criminal record

In addition, the parties discussed preparations for the third Forum of the Regions of Ukraine and Belarus, which will be held this fall.

Zelensky thanked Lukashenko for humanitarian aid to the western regions affected by flooding.

"The presidents also discussed the situation with the spread and overcoming the consequences of COVID-19 in the territory of both states," the statement said.

Background

  • On June 29, thirty-two Russian militants with the Wagner PMC were detained outside Minsk, while another suspect was nabbed in the south of Belarus. Among the suspects were those who are believed to have fought against Ukrainian government forces in the Donbas warzone.
  • Belarus law enforcement said they had been tipped about the arrival of over 200 militants to destabilize the country during the election campaign.
  • Belarus has asked the Ukrainian authorities to verify information on the involvement of the detainees in crimes committed on Ukraine territory.