Belarus
COMMENT: Amid shrinking civic space, will the EBRD still uphold its democratic mandate?
As the global Democracy Index recorded a historic low in 2024, institutions tasked with upholding democratic values are under increasing pressure to adapt.
78-year-old protest legend Nina Bahinskaya faces new charges in Belarus crackdown
According to a report from Human Rights Group Viasna released on May 8, Belarusian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation against 78-year-old activist Nina Bahinskaya for wearing a white-red-white pin in Minsk in 2024.
Putin and Lukashenko speak on Union State ties and united historical memory at Volgograd forum
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political and economic integration between their two countries.
Russia proposes joint aviation venture with Belarus as part of expanded industrial cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to establish a joint aviation enterprise with Belarusian specialists as part of deepening industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Russian and Belarusian agents accused of plotting attacks on exiled Belarusians in Lithuania
Lithuania’s domestic intelligence agency has accused Russian and Belarusian intelligence services of plotting to carry out violent attacks on Belarusian exiles residing in the country.
Belarus now ‘untouchable’ under Russia’s nuclear umbrella
President Lukashenko says the new Union State security treaty guarantees Belarus “absolute security,” citing its alliance with nuclear-armed Russia as a strong deterrent against any potential foreign aggression.
Lukashenko gifts Putin with foiled 580kg high explosives terrorist attack
Belarusian authorities intercepted a van carrying 580kg of the high explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), believed to be of US origin, at the Belarus-Poland border, the State Customs Committee of Belarus reported on April 2.
Russia, Cuba, Belarus and North Korea exempted from tariffs as already sanctioned
US President Donald Trump dropped a tariffs bomb on the whole world on “Liberation Day” by imposing sanctions on every country the US trades with – with a very few notable exceptions: Russia, Cuba, Belarus and North Korea.
COMMENT: Lukashenko’s reshuffle tightens Belarus’ economic control
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed his prime minister and the head of the central bank, marking the latest stage in a year-long overhaul of the country’s leadership
Lukashenko roasts his officials over soaring price of potatoes
Potato prices have jumped by 10% over just the past two months, and an irate Lukashenko expressed his frustration at the authorities’ inability to maintain stable prices for staple goods.
Belarus’ president gives citizenship to Iranians, Lebanese and Syrians in surprise move
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree accepting 311 for citizenship, including Iranians, Lebanese and Syrians among dozens of other nationaities.
Belarus' Lukashenko sworn in as president for the seventh time
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in for his seventh term in office on March 25 at the Independence Palace in Minsk, following his “victory” in presidential elections on January 26.
Several EU countries back push to fund Prague-based RFE/RL in response to Trump axeing it
Member states want EU to fund Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Agency for Global Media.
Iran, EEU free trade deal to take effect in mid-May
A comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will come into force on May 15, paving the way for stronger economic ties and potentially doubling trade volumes.
Belarus asks Russia for a second nuclear power plant
Belarus has formally requested Russia's assistance in building a second nuclear power plant within its borders as electricity consumption rises.
Lukashenko jumps on the exploration of rare earth metals bandwagon
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has jumped on the rare earth metal bandwagon and called for intensified efforts to explore and develop deposits within the country.
Iranian parliament approves free trade zone with EEU
After years of negotiations, Iran's parliament has ratified an agreement with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to create a free trade zone.