Belarus’ dictator Alexander Lukashenko visits fellow Russian ally Iran to discuss the countries’ bilateral relations and look into ways to potentially bypass growing international sanctions. In Belarus, Lukashenko signed a law introducing the death penalty as punishment for civil servants and military personnel convicted of high treason. Belarusian authorities conducted
As tensions mount between Kyiv and Minsk amid Russia's war, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko claims that the CIA and the SBU were behind the Machulishchy airfield explosion. Ukraine rejects involvement. Two high-profile trials come to a close, resulting in lengthy prison sentences for Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Ales Bialiatski,
Two explosions rocked Machulishchy airfield near Minsk on Feb. 26, destroying a Russian A-50 warning and control aircraft. Belarus ups border security after explosions. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko pays a state visit to Beijing, claiming that “not a single issue in the world can be resolved without China.” Prosecutors order
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin meet near Moscow to discuss further cooperation as Minsk prepares to produce Russian military aircraft. Meanwhile, a leaked document revealed that the Kremlin plans to take over Belarus by 2023, according to a joint investigation by the Kyiv Independent. Over
In February 2015, the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia met in Minsk to hold talks following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Following the 15-hour-long talks, the second Minsk Agreement was reached, intended to stop Russia’s war in Ukraine’s east. The agreement envisioned a ceasefire, withdrawal
Belarus takes an unsurprising hit to its Democracy Index, published by The Economist Group, placing 153rd out of 167 countries. Russian military aircraft remain in Belarus after finishing announced joint flight exercises in what is likely an effort by Moscow to bolster its forces in the country. Belarus dictator Alexander
In response to Belarus' year-long support of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the European Union is preparing a fresh round of sanctions against Minsk. The new restrictions will align with those imposed on Moscow, helping to block the circumvention of sanctions through Belarus. One of Russia's military divisions completes training
The week marks the 160th anniversary of the 1863 uprising against Russian imperial rule. The January uprising led by Kastus Kalinouski was an attempt to re-establish a joint Polish, Lithuanian, and Belarusian independent state. The most prominent Belarusian military formation fighting for Ukraine bears his name. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko
Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us Joint Russian-Belarusian flight exercises begin in Belarus. The Institute for the Study of War notes that Moscow will likely deploy additional forces to Belarus. Meanwhile, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s in absentia trial begins in Minsk. She continues to speak out
Belarus prepares to host a joint military aviation exercise with Russia as echelons of Moscow’s military personnel continue to move into the country. Belarus claims that such efforts are “not directed against third parties.” Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko signed an amendment to the country’s citizenship law, allowing the
Belarus entered 2022 gobbled in its ongoing political crisis and finished it as an accomplice in an unprovoked and brutal Russian aggression toward Ukraine. Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko conceded his country's sovereignty to Russia, becoming entirely reliant on President Vladimir Putin's will. Belarus reached technical default on its foreign debt
Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the second time in ten days. On Dec. 27, Lukashenko flew to St. Petersburg to meet with Putin for the ninth time in 2022. Publicly little was said about the results of these talks. One of the Russian MiG-31
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Belarus on Dec. 19 didn't deliver any particular results. Routine statements about joint exercises, a new round of nuclear blackmail, and assurances that Russia will not annex Belarus were among the key talking points during Putin's press conference in Minsk. Russia again began increasing
Following a visit by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu last week, Belarus conducted a sudden inspection of troops' and continues to engage in covert mobilization. Russia deploys additional military aircraft to Belarus, including those capable of carrying Kinzhal ballistic missiles. As Belarus launches the first in absentia trials against several
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visits Belarus as Minsk and Moscow sign a rushed classified protocol on regional security. Belarus’ parliament is considering introducing the death sentence for officials and military personnel that “commit acts of treason.” Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko extends the list of criminal charges for which trials
Russia transfers additional air defense systems to Belarus. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's aggressive rhetoric towards Ukraine continues, as he boasts that the ongoing war will mean the "complete destruction of Ukraine." The European Parliament issued a motion to condemn the repression of Belarusian civil society by Lukashenko's regime, as well
As Russian troops withdraw from Kherson amid a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive, concerns over false flag operations from Belarus intensify. Ukrainian intelligence warns of potential staged provocations by Russia at Belarusian critical infrastructure sites, which it says Moscow will blame on Kyiv. An independent Belarusian railway initiative says Minsk has transferred
Kyiv constructs a wall to fortify its border with Belarus as Minsk prepares to hold large-scale mobilization drills at the end of the year. Belarusian monitoring group Belarusian Hajun reports additional Russian aircraft in Belarus. As regional military authorities requisition 50,000 mobilization summons, concern over covert mobilization in Belarus
As military training grounds in Belarus expand after the creation of the Russia-Belarus joint military command force, Ukraine reports the deployment of kamikaze drones to a Belarusian airfield near the Ukrainian border. Meanwhile, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko reiterates his intention not to send Belarusian forces to Ukraine. After severing ties
As Belarusians mourn The Night of the Executed Poets, the climax of the Stalinist repressions against intellectuals, state-sponsored repressions continue almost a century later. Moscow deploys ballistic missiles to Belarus, and Minsk opens two military command centers to train Russian troops as part of the countries’ joint military command force.
Concerns over a potential offensive from Belarus continue as covert mobilization, and the movement of Russian troops to Belarus continues. Russia launches Iranian-made drones from Belarusian territory, continuing Belarus' role as a co-belligerent in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's regime makes critical changes to Belarus' electoral
Belarus to welcome 9,000 Russian troops. Meanwhile, a covert mobilization is ongoing in Belarus. Belarus' dictator Alexander Lukashenko warns of a so-called "increased risk of terrorist threats" in Belarus, as authorities give contradicting statements about an alleged "counter-terrorist regime" in the country. Ukraine is considering abolishing Kyiv's visa-free regime
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko supported Russia's missile attacks against Ukraine, adding that his country began the process of creating a joint regional military command with Moscow. Additionally, Lukashenko subordinated the KGB directly to himself, potentially fearing the arrival of a large group of Russian troops, which he welcomed as part
For the first time since the start of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko acknowledges Belarus' involvement in Russia's war. As Belarus prepares to receive up to 20,000 Russian troops, Lukashenko accuses Ukraine of amassing troops on the border. The government-in-exile, led by opposition leader Sviatlana
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Sept. 25. Lukashenko told Putin there's no point in going after those that flee Russia's mobilization decree. "Let them run," the dictator said. Meanwhile, Belarus refrains from directly following Russia's footsteps, yet still announcing "mobilization" drills
As Moscow announces "partial mobilization" of its citizens amid Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has yet to follow suit. However, Lukashenko cements his regime's role as a co-belligerent in Russia's war as he emphasizes his support for Russian forces. Tensions mount as Belarus is among a
Military exercises continue on both sides of the border as Minsk focuses on improving offensive operations while Kyiv bolsters its demining and defensive efforts. Belarus allows Russia to use two military bases for 25 more years. Minsk also unveils the first units of the long-awaited "people's militia." Meanwhile, Belarusian volunteers
Ukraine imposes sanctions against Belarusian companies and officials seizing their assets in the country. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Belarus holds military drills in which it simulates crossing the Belarusian border with Ukraine. Belarus’ dictator Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Belarusians who left the country and were convicted on charges
The number of Russian rockets hitting Ukraine from Belarus substantially increased after Belarusian autocrat Alexander Lukashenko “congratulated” Ukraine on its Independence Day. Meanwhile, Belarusian aircraft had been re-equipped to carry Russian nuclear weapons, while the newly created Belarusian territorial defense held exercises in Minsk. Lukashenko expressed regret that the Belarus
As Ukraine marks its 31st Independence Day amid Russian rockets flying in from Belarus, dictator Alexander Lukashenko wishes Ukrainians “a peaceful sky.” Belarus continues to expand its military facilities and serve as a co-belligerent in Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, helping Moscow restore its combat aircraft to circumvent Western
The Kyiv Independent is continuing to provide readers with a weekly roundup to help explain current events in Belarus. To receive the Belarus Weekly newsletter subscribe via this LINK. Maxar Technologies publishes satellite imagery identifying newly deployed Russian weapons and aircraft in the aftermath of explosions at the Belarusian Ziabrauka
Aug. 9 marks the second anniversary of the day when Belarusians had the chance to break free from decades of despotic rule. This date also marks the day when Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko declared himself president for his sixth consecutive term in an election internationally deemed as neither free nor
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