Belarus

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Covering an area of 207,600 square kilometres (80,200 sq mi) and with a population of 9.1 million, Belarus is the 13th-largest and the 20th-most populous country in Europe. The country has a hemiboreal climate and is administratively divided into six regions. Minsk is the capital and largest city; it is administered separately as a city with special status.
belarus

Some of the key events about Belarus

  • 1918
    The German army occupied Belarus during World War I
  • 1919
    The Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic was established, granting Belarus a form of statehood
  • 1941
    Nazi Germany invaded Belarus, leading to massive destruction and loss of life
  • 1945
    Belarus became a founding member of the United Nations
  • 1986
    The Belarusian State University was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor for achievements in training qualified specialists
  • 1986
    The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in neighboring Ukraine severely affected Belarus with radioactive fallout
  • 1991
    Belarus declared independence from the Soviet Union, becoming a sovereign state
  • 1991
    The Belarusian economy collapsed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union
  • 1994
    The country adopted its first post-Soviet constitution
  • 1994
    The country's first presidential election was marred by allegations of fraud
  • 1996
    Belarus became a nuclear-free state after transferring all its nuclear weapons to Russia
  • 1996
    A controversial referendum expanded presidential powers, reducing democratic checks and balances
  • 2001
    The National Library of Belarus, one of the largest in Eastern Europe, opened its new building in Minsk
  • 2004
    Belarus won its first Olympic gold medal as an independent nation at the Athens Summer Olympics
  • 2006
    The country's first satellite, BelKA, was launched into orbit
  • 2006
    Presidential elections were widely criticized as undemocratic by international observers
  • 2010
    Post-election protests were violently suppressed by authorities
  • 2019
    Minsk successfully hosted the 2nd European Games, a major multi-sport event
  • 2020
    Widespread protests erupted following a disputed presidential election, leading to a harsh government crackdown
  • 2022
    Belarus faced international sanctions for its role in supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Belarus Latest news

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

September 29 2024, 09:38 PM  •  1145 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

September 29 2024, 09:35 PM  •  1161 views
Polish NGO Sues President Duda Over Controversial Film Comments

Polish NGO Sues President Duda Over Controversial Film Comments

September 29 2024, 02:45 PM  •  573 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community Amid Broader Repression

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community Amid Broader Repression

September 27 2024, 01:44 PM  •  632 views
Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution

Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution

September 27 2024, 12:16 PM  •  762 views
Putin Expands Nuclear Use Scenarios, Sparking Global Debate

Putin Expands Nuclear Use Scenarios, Sparking Global Debate

September 27 2024, 12:02 PM  •  346 views
Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage

Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage

September 27 2024, 10:32 AM  •  116 views
Putin Expands Nuclear Threat Scope in Updated Russian Doctrine

Putin Expands Nuclear Threat Scope in Updated Russian Doctrine

September 27 2024, 08:35 AM  •  10861 views
Putin Outlines Potential Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine

Putin Outlines Potential Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine

September 26 2024, 08:05 AM  •  11061 views
Russian Priest Banned for Opposing Ukraine Conflict, Upholds Faith

Russian Priest Banned for Opposing Ukraine Conflict, Upholds Faith

September 24 2024, 08:13 AM  •  410 views
Lithuania Boosts Defense with U.S. Ammunition Deal

Lithuania Boosts Defense with U.S. Ammunition Deal

September 23 2024, 01:00 PM  •  332 views
Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting

Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting

September 23 2024, 10:46 AM  •  5040 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project

September 18 2024, 04:33 PM  •  634 views
NATO Eastern Flank Urges Unified Response to Russian Air Incursions

NATO Eastern Flank Urges Unified Response to Russian Air Incursions

September 18 2024, 12:33 PM  •  564 views
Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Arsenal in Tver Region

Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Arsenal in Tver Region

September 18 2024, 08:17 AM  •  509 views
Ukraine Launches Multi-Region Drone Assault on Western Russia

Ukraine Launches Multi-Region Drone Assault on Western Russia

September 18 2024, 12:59 AM  •  998 views
Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy

Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy

September 17 2024, 09:37 PM  •  772 views
Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists

Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists

September 16 2024, 03:13 PM  •  669 views
Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

September 16 2024, 03:07 PM  •  717 views
Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

September 13 2024, 10:35 PM  •  799 views
Belarusian-American's Prison Term Extended Amid Ongoing Crackdown

Belarusian-American's Prison Term Extended Amid Ongoing Crackdown

Yuras Zyankovich, a dual citizen, faces 13. 5 years in Belarus prison. His case highlights the country's intensifying suppression of dissent, with over 1,300 political prisoners currently detained.

Society, Politics • October 7 2024, 06:17 PM  •  522 views
Polish General Warns of Inevitable War, Calls for Larger Army

Polish General Warns of Inevitable War, Calls for Larger Army

Poland's top general emphasizes the need for a larger military force to defend against potential threats. Demographic challenges and the possibility of mandatory service are highlighted.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 06:05 PM  •  1475 views
Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane

Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane

A Belarusian court has convicted 12 individuals for a drone attack on a Russian military radar plane, with sentences ranging up to 25 years. Most defendants were tried in absentia for the February 2023 incident.

Society, Politics • October 4 2024, 08:19 PM  •  364 views
Poland to Begin Construction of Enhanced Border Defenses by 2025

Poland to Begin Construction of Enhanced Border Defenses by 2025

Poland plans to start building enhanced defense lines on its Russian and Belarusian borders by late 2024, part of a larger fortification project. The initiative comes amid increased defense spending and regional security concerns.

Politics • October 4 2024, 01:35 PM  •  661 views
Belarusian Opposition Demands Release of 224 Political Prisoners

Belarusian Opposition Demands Release of 224 Political Prisoners

Exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls for urgent release of political detainees in Belarus. Lukashenko's regime faces criticism for ongoing repression since disputed 2020 election.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 04:29 PM  •  419 views
Russian Drone Strike on Gas Truck in Ukraine Kills Three, Including Child

Russian Drone Strike on Gas Truck in Ukraine Kills Three, Including Child

A Russian drone attack on a gas truck in Ukraine's Chernihiv region resulted in three fatalities, including a child. The incident caused gas cylinder detonations and fires in residential areas.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 01:46 PM  •  652 views
Belarus Accused of Coercing Pardoned Political Prisoners

Belarus Accused of Coercing Pardoned Political Prisoners

Human rights groups claim Belarus is pressuring pardoned political activists, forcing them to cooperate with authorities. Only 115 out of 1,300 prisoners have been released.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 09:55 PM  •  180 views
Lithuania Urges ICC Probe into Belarus for Alleged Human Rights Abuses

Lithuania Urges ICC Probe into Belarus for Alleged Human Rights Abuses

Lithuania has called on the International Criminal Court to investigate Belarus for alleged crimes against humanity under Alexander Lukashenko's rule. The move comes amid claims of forced deportations and persecution.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 09:19 PM  •  117 views
CERN to Halt Collaboration with Russian Scientists Amid Ukraine Conflict

CERN to Halt Collaboration with Russian Scientists Amid Ukraine Conflict

CERN will cease cooperation with Russian-affiliated scientists due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The decision affects up to 500 researchers and marks a significant shift in international scientific collaboration.

Politics, Science • September 30 2024, 09:10 PM  •  119 views
Ukrainian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers Hold Frank Talks Amid Tensions

Ukrainian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers Hold Frank Talks Amid Tensions

Ukrainian and Hungarian foreign ministers met for candid discussions, addressing energy concerns and ethnic minority rights. Hungary reaffirms support for EU sanctions against Russia despite maintaining economic ties.

Economics, Politics • September 30 2024, 09:06 PM  •  175 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is set to participate in the Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia. The meeting will focus on economic cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, a group of former Soviet states.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024, 09:38 PM  •  1145 views
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin plans consecutive diplomatic engagements in Iran and Armenia. The Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia will focus on regional cooperation and development strategies.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024, 09:35 PM  •  1161 views
Polish NGO Sues President Duda Over Controversial Film Comments

Polish NGO Sues President Duda Over Controversial Film Comments

A Polish NGO has filed a lawsuit against President Andrzej Duda for his remarks about viewers of the film "Green Border. " The case, set for trial in 2025, stems from comments made in 2023.

Politics, Culture • September 29 2024, 02:45 PM  •  573 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community Amid Broader Repression

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community Amid Broader Repression

At least 20 LGBTQ+ individuals in Belarus face police questioning and potential abuse. New law classifies depictions of homosexual life as pornography, reflecting broader political repression in the country.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 01:44 PM  •  632 views
Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution

Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution

A Belarusian publishing house, now operating from Poland due to government persecution, receives a prestigious award from U. S. publishers for its courage in promoting Belarusian literature.

Politics, Culture • September 27 2024, 12:16 PM  •  762 views
Putin Expands Nuclear Use Scenarios, Sparking Global Debate

Putin Expands Nuclear Use Scenarios, Sparking Global Debate

Russian President Vladimir Putin has broadened the conditions for potential nuclear weapon use, coinciding with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's US visit. The move has ignited international discussions on its implications and credibility.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 12:02 PM  •  346 views
Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage

Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage

A Polish court has sentenced two foreign nationals for spying for Russia. The individuals were part of a larger network targeting information on military aid to Ukraine.

Politics • September 27 2024, 10:32 AM  •  116 views
Putin Expands Nuclear Threat Scope in Updated Russian Doctrine

Putin Expands Nuclear Threat Scope in Updated Russian Doctrine

Russia's revised nuclear policy now considers attacks by non-nuclear states backed by nuclear powers as joint assaults. Putin outlines specific conditions for nuclear weapon use, including against Belarus aggressors.

Politics • September 27 2024, 08:35 AM  •  10861 views
Putin Outlines Potential Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine

Putin Outlines Potential Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine

Russian President Vladimir Putin discusses proposed modifications to the country's nuclear policy, including conditions for nuclear weapon use and responses to conventional attacks supported by nuclear states.

Politics • September 26 2024, 08:05 AM  •  11061 views
Russian Priest Banned for Opposing Ukraine Conflict, Upholds Faith

Russian Priest Banned for Opposing Ukraine Conflict, Upholds Faith

A Russian Orthodox priest faces consequences for denouncing the Ukraine conflict. Banned from service, he maintains his commitment to Christian values and continues to see himself as a servant of God.

Society, Culture • September 24 2024, 08:13 AM  •  410 views
Lithuania Boosts Defense with U.S. Ammunition Deal

Lithuania Boosts Defense with U.S. Ammunition Deal

Lithuania signs agreement with Northrop Grumman for medium-caliber ammunition production, enhancing defense capabilities. This follows a recent deal with Rheinmetall, reflecting increased focus on military preparedness.

Business, Politics • September 23 2024, 01:00 PM  •  332 views
Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting

Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting

Kremlin refuses to comment on a fatal shootout at Wildberries' Moscow office, linked to a disputed merger. The incident, resulting in two deaths, is under investigation by law enforcement.

Business, Politics • September 23 2024, 10:46 AM  •  5040 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project

Belarusian authorities detain and interrogate teachers associated with an online education project deemed extremist. The move is part of a broader suppression of dissent in the country.

Society, Politics • September 18 2024, 04:33 PM  •  634 views
NATO Eastern Flank Urges Unified Response to Russian Air Incursions

NATO Eastern Flank Urges Unified Response to Russian Air Incursions

NATO's eastern members call for coordinated action against Russian airspace violations. Recent incidents prompt demands for enhanced air defense measures along the alliance's eastern border.

Politics • September 18 2024, 12:33 PM  •  564 views
Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Arsenal in Tver Region

Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Arsenal in Tver Region

A significant Ukrainian drone attack targeted a Russian arsenal in the Tver region, causing explosions and evacuations. The strike hit Toropets, a millennia-old town, impacting a major military storage facility.

Politics • September 18 2024, 08:17 AM  •  509 views
Ukraine Launches Multi-Region Drone Assault on Western Russia

Ukraine Launches Multi-Region Drone Assault on Western Russia

Multiple Ukrainian drones targeted western Russian regions overnight, with local officials reporting no damage. This escalation in drone warfare reflects Ukraine's increased capabilities and strategic shift in the ongoing conflict.

Politics • September 18 2024, 12:59 AM  •  998 views
Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy

Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy

Recently freed Russian activist Vladimir Kara-Murza speaks at U. S. Senate event. Senator Ben Cardin to introduce Bridge Act, aiming to protect democracy advocates in Russia and Belarus.

Society, Politics • September 17 2024, 09:37 PM  •  772 views
Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists

Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists

Andrei Hniot, a Belarusian filmmaker, appeals against extradition from Serbia, supported by over 780 artists worldwide. Facing alleged fabricated charges, Hniot fears for his safety if returned to Belarus.

Politics, Culture • September 16 2024, 03:13 PM  •  669 views
Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

Belarusian President Lukashenko pardoned 37 political prisoners, marking the fourth such action since July. Over 1,300 remain incarcerated as the authoritarian leader potentially seeks to soften his image before the 2025 election.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024, 03:07 PM  •  717 views
Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

Maria Kalesnikava, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure, faces critical health conditions in prison. Meanwhile, President Lukashenko has freed some political detainees, raising questions about potential policy shifts.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024, 10:35 PM  •  799 views