Belarus
Some of the key events about Belarus
- 1918The German army occupied Belarus during World War I
- 1919The Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic was established, granting Belarus a form of statehood
- 1941Nazi Germany invaded Belarus, leading to massive destruction and loss of life
- 1945Belarus became a founding member of the United Nations
- 1986The Belarusian State University was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor for achievements in training qualified specialists
- 1986The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in neighboring Ukraine severely affected Belarus with radioactive fallout
- 1991Belarus declared independence from the Soviet Union, becoming a sovereign state
- 1991The Belarusian economy collapsed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union
- 1994The country adopted its first post-Soviet constitution
- 1994The country's first presidential election was marred by allegations of fraud
- 1996Belarus became a nuclear-free state after transferring all its nuclear weapons to Russia
- 1996A controversial referendum expanded presidential powers, reducing democratic checks and balances
- 2001The National Library of Belarus, one of the largest in Eastern Europe, opened its new building in Minsk
- 2004Belarus won its first Olympic gold medal as an independent nation at the Athens Summer Olympics
- 2006The country's first satellite, BelKA, was launched into orbit
- 2006Presidential elections were widely criticized as undemocratic by international observers
- 2010Post-election protests were violently suppressed by authorities
- 2019Minsk successfully hosted the 2nd European Games, a major multi-sport event
- 2020Widespread protests erupted following a disputed presidential election, leading to a harsh government crackdown
- 2022Belarus 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
Belarusian-American's Prison Term Extended Amid Ongoing Crackdown
Polish General Warns of Inevitable War, Calls for Larger Army
Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane
Poland to Begin Construction of Enhanced Border Defenses by 2025
Belarusian Opposition Demands Release of 224 Political Prisoners
Russian Drone Strike on Gas Truck in Ukraine Kills Three, Including Child
Belarus Accused of Coercing Pardoned Political Prisoners
Lithuania Urges ICC Probe into Belarus for Alleged Human Rights Abuses
CERN to Halt Collaboration with Russian Scientists Amid Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers Hold Frank Talks Amid Tensions
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum in Armenia
Russian PM to Attend Eurasian Economic Forum After Iran Visit
Polish NGO Sues President Duda Over Controversial Film Comments
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community Amid Broader Repression
Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution
Putin Expands Nuclear Use Scenarios, Sparking Global Debate
Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage
Putin Expands Nuclear Threat Scope in Updated Russian Doctrine
Putin Outlines Potential Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine
Russian Priest Banned for Opposing Ukraine Conflict, Upholds Faith
Lithuania Boosts Defense with U.S. Ammunition Deal
Kremlin Declines Comment on Deadly Wildberries Office Shooting
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project
NATO Eastern Flank Urges Unified Response to Russian Air Incursions
Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Arsenal in Tver Region
Ukraine Launches Multi-Region Drone Assault on Western Russia
Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy
Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists
Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election
Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.