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

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Georgia's political storm: How EU dreams turned into street protests

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Belarus leader makes surprise move: dozens of prisoners walk free before election

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Belarus puts thousands in jail over Ukraine support - human rights group finds

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Belarus police show readiness before crucial January vote

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Women leaders take on powerful fight against rising global control systems

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East Asian powers turn Ukraine battlefield into global chess match

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Belarus launches massive pre-election crackdown on families of dissidents

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Hidden danger: Small Georgian village shows how Russia gains control without war

Hidden danger: Small Georgian village shows how Russia gains control without war

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Belarus tightens grip: Mass detentions shake local communities before elections

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Russian expert hints at new nuclear strategy while West watches carefully

Russian expert hints at new nuclear strategy while West watches carefully

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Lithuanian defense chief warns: Europe must pay its fair share for protection

Lithuanian defense chief warns: Europe must pay its fair share for protection

Lithuanian Defence Minister points out unfair US defense spending burden and calls for European action. She highlights need for stronger military industries while warning about Russiaʼs expanding military plans

Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 07:55 PM  •  73762 views
Belarus court sends reporter to prison over critical coverage of state affairs

Belarus court sends reporter to prison over critical coverage of state affairs

A news reporter got prison time in Belarus for her work that didnt please officials. Her articles about government actions led to charges of disrespecting leadership and harming countrys image

Society, Politics • December 11 2024 , 03:56 PM  •  5152 views
EU lets Poland pause migrant entry rules to counter border issues

EU lets Poland pause migrant entry rules to counter border issues

Eastern EU countries got permission to stop taking asylum requests when facing border pressure from Belarus and Russia. Poland plans to use this option for up-to two months

Society, Politics • December 11 2024 , 02:29 PM  •  4929 views
Putin gives green light to place new missiles in Belarus next year

Putin gives green light to place new missiles in Belarus next year

During summit in Minsk **Vladimir Putin** agreed to deploy Oreshnik missiles in Belarus after **Lukashenkoʼs** request. Belarus will get control over targeting while Russia maintains ownership

Politics • December 7 2024 , 12:16 AM  •  798 views
Putin lets Belarus control new super-fast missile system coming next year

Putin lets Belarus control new super-fast missile system coming next year

Russia plans to place its new fast-flying Oreshnik missiles in Belarus after signing defense deal. Belarus leader will get power to pick targets for these weapons that Russia already used in Ukraine

Politics • December 6 2024 , 08:25 PM  •  589 views
Georgia's pro-EU movement puts country at crossroads with Russia

Georgia's pro-EU movement puts country at crossroads with Russia

Mass-protests sweep Georgia after government blocks EU membership plans and uses force against citizens. High-ranking officials resign while President joins street demonstrations in support of EU path

Society, Politics • December 6 2024 , 01:33 PM  •  684 views
Georgian streets fill with protesters after government's shocking EU decision

Georgian streets fill with protesters after government's shocking EU decision

Mass protests sweep Georgia after government blocks EU membership plans and uses force against demonstrators. People from all walks-of-life join street rallies against pro-russian policies

Society, Politics • December 6 2024 , 11:48 AM  •  1209 views
Trump plans massive China trade shake-up that could change everything in 2025

Trump plans massive China trade shake-up that could change everything in 2025

Former president prepares huge changes to US-China trade relationship with new tariffs and status changes. Congressional Republicans back-up the plan with fresh bills targeting Chinese imports

Economics, Politics • December 4 2024 , 09:41 PM  •  1046 views
Georgia's path to Europe hits roadblock as thousands flood streets in protest

Georgia's path to Europe hits roadblock as thousands flood streets in protest

Mass protests sweep Georgia after government puts EU membership on hold until 2028. Civil servants quit jobs while president joins street demonstrations against ruling partyʼs decision

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 07:29 PM  •  979 views
Georgian streets fill up as government hits pause on European dreams

Georgian streets fill up as government hits pause on European dreams

Mass-protests sweep Georgia after government stops EU membership talks. Civil servants quit jobs while president **Salome Zourabichvili** teams up with protesters against ruling partys decision

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 05:25 PM  •  854 views
Georgia's political storm: How EU dreams turned into street protests

Georgia's political storm: How EU dreams turned into street protests

Georgiaʼs ruling party halted its EU membership process causing nationwide protests. Government institutions show cracks as president **Salome Zourabichvili** leads opposition against controversial parliament decisions

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 04:08 PM  •  2359 views
Russian diplomat hints at nuclear tests comeback as global tensions rise

Russian diplomat hints at nuclear tests comeback as global tensions rise

Russian official discusses possible return to nuclear testing due to complex international situation. Moscow changes its nuclear-use rules while stepping back from global test ban agreements

Politics, Science • November 30 2024 , 01:46 PM  •  14282 views
Belarus opposition chief tells citizens to skip January vote - heres why

Belarus opposition chief tells citizens to skip January vote - heres why

Belarusʼs exiled leader warns citizens against joining protests during upcoming January elections Due to safety risks‚ she suggests peaceful resistance through ballot-spoiling instead of street demonstrations.

Politics • November 27 2024 , 04:16 PM  •  1666 views
Latest night-time drone strike hits Ukrainian capital, leaves multiple wounded

Latest night-time drone strike hits Ukrainian capital, leaves multiple wounded

Russian drones targeted Kyiv in early-morning attack damaging buildings and injuring locals. Air defense systems worked against multiple aerial threats while some drones reached their targets

Society, Politics • November 27 2024 , 01:52 PM  •  1177 views
Pakistan court blocks major protest before key diplomatic meeting

Pakistan court blocks major protest before key diplomatic meeting

Legal system stops ex-leaderʼs supporters from organizing mass gathering in capital city. Decision comes right before important state visit from Eastern European president

Politics • November 21 2024 , 07:52 PM  •  905 views
Trump's possible win pushes Ukraine to look for new ways in conflict with Russia

Trump's possible win pushes Ukraine to look for new ways in conflict with Russia

After almost 3 years of war Ukraine faces new reality with possible Trumpʼs comeback. Both sides need to re-think their approach to peace talks while keeping Ukraineʼs independence as main priority

Politics, Culture • November 21 2024 , 05:46 PM  •  683 views
Trump's possible comeback makes Ukraine peace talks more likely than ever

Trump's possible comeback makes Ukraine peace talks more likely than ever

After almost 3 years of conflict Ukraine faces new reality with possible US leadership change. Military situation and global politics create unique moment for exploring peace options

Society, Politics • November 21 2024 , 05:35 PM  •  711 views
Belarus leader makes surprise move: dozens of prisoners walk free before election

Belarus leader makes surprise move: dozens of prisoners walk free before election

In a pre-election development‚ **Alexander Lukashenko** freed 32 people charged with extremism. This marks the sixth group release since summer‚ while over 1000 political detainees remain behind bars

Society, Politics • November 21 2024 , 10:21 AM  •  2063 views
Belarus puts thousands in jail over Ukraine support - human rights group finds

Belarus puts thousands in jail over Ukraine support - human rights group finds

Human-rights watchers found massive arrests in Belarus targeting Ukraine supporters. More than 1‚600 people got prison time for showing solidarity with Ukraine‚ with sentences up to 25 years

Society, Politics • November 20 2024 , 05:14 PM  •  1425 views
Belarus police show readiness before crucial January vote

Belarus police show readiness before crucial January vote

Belarus law enforcement starts nationwide training operations two months before presidential election. Interior ministry aims to maintain strict control during upcoming political event

Politics • November 19 2024 , 08:35 PM  •  794 views
Women leaders take on powerful fight against rising global control systems

Women leaders take on powerful fight against rising global control systems

From Georgia to Moldova female leaders stand against rising power grabs while US security experts often skip gender aspects. Global womens groups show early signs of democratic health decline in many regions

Society, Politics • November 19 2024 , 06:38 PM  •  725 views
East Asian powers turn Ukraine battlefield into global chess match

East Asian powers turn Ukraine battlefield into global chess match

What started as European conflict now sees Asian nations picking sides. North Korea sends troops while China backs Russia‚ as Japan and South Korea support Ukraine through various means

Economics, Politics • November 18 2024 , 07:50 PM  •  939 views
Belarus launches massive pre-election crackdown on families of dissidents

Belarus launches massive pre-election crackdown on families of dissidents

Police in Belarus detained more than 100 people connected to political inmates ahead of next years election. The nation-wide raids targeted friends and family members of those who oppose the government

Politics • November 15 2024 , 03:54 PM  •  1038 views
Hidden danger: Small Georgian village shows how Russia gains control without war

Hidden danger: Small Georgian village shows how Russia gains control without war

A Georgian activist tracks Russian military movements near his village while the country faces political changes after disputed elections. Growing Moscow influence raises questions about Georgias future path

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 02:41 PM  •  779 views
Belarus tightens grip: Mass detentions shake local communities before elections

Belarus tightens grip: Mass detentions shake local communities before elections

Belarus security forces detained over 100 people from residential chat groups ahead of next years presidential vote. Human-rights watchers report growing pressure on local communities

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 06:54 PM  •  462 views
Russian expert hints at new nuclear strategy while West watches carefully

Russian expert hints at new nuclear strategy while West watches carefully

A top Russian security expert shares views on Moscowʼs nuclear-related moves to counter Western influence. Recent changes in nuclear policy and military steps show Russiaʼs new approach to global tensions

Politics • November 6 2024 , 02:40 PM  •  1732 views