The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, have a scheduled meeting in Sochi next week. It is expected that the talks will include discussions regarding the financial and economic spheres. There is also a possibility to unify the credit operations between Russia and Belarus.
Category: Belarus
Russia — Social Media Developments in February
Social media has become the main source of political propaganda. According to Statista, the total number of active social media users has been steadily growing year-on-year in Russia, except for 2017, when the audience dropped significantly in volume across the country. By January 2020, there were 70 million active users of social media platforms in Russia.
Belarus Forum — Belarusian People’s Assembly
The Investigative Committee of Belarus formally sent the documentation for the extradition of the founder of the Telegram channel NEXTA Stepan Putilo and his former editor-in-chief Roman Protasevich from Poland under the International treaty. The Belarusian KGB previously included these individuals on the terrorist list.
Russia Withdraws From Open Sky Treaty
The Russian government decided to withdraw from the Open Sky Treaty. The Open Sky Treaty is an important tool for the intelligence gathering purposes by the signatory nations, which include military inspections from the air. The Treaty was signed in Finland in the 1992 by the 27 members.
Belarus — Govt. Charges Fee to Leave, Dissidents Issue Alternative Passports
Belarus started charging its citizens to leave the country. The information is available at the “Amendments to the Tax Code,” published on the Belarus National Legal Portal. Drivers of cars weighing up to five tons, and with the capacity of up to eight passengers, will have to pay.
Russia to Create New Political Party in Belarus
A Kremlin representative made an announcement regarding the intention by Russia to create a political party in Belarus that will support integration with Russia. However, the new party will oppose the current dictatorial regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Russia is one of only a handful of countries that recognized the legitimacy of the Belarusian presidential election.
Belarus- 5G Network Testing Completed
The testing of the 5G technology has been completed in Belarus. The Belarusian infrastructure operator beCloud has completed a large-scale testing of the 5G technology on December 19th, 2020. The company, founded on December 19, 2012, has become the first infrastructure operator in Belarus.
Belarus — EU Awards Tsikhanouskaya Sakharov Prize
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called upon the European Union to continue supporting the country’s pro-democracy movements as she was awarded the Sakharov Prize, which the EU usually awards to honor those who defend human rights in the world.
CPJ: Record Number of Journalists Arrested Worldwide
As per the annual report of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the number of journalists detained while in line of duty hit a record high this year. By December 1, the CPJ reported Tuesday there were at least 274 journalists arrested worldwide. The CPJ indicates that number does not include those who were imprisoned and released throughout the year.
Belarus — Citing Coronavirus, Lukashenko Shuts Borders
The Belarusian government is set to close its land borders to its own citizens, a measure that the administration of President Alexander Lukashenko justifies with the need to contain the spread of the coronavirus. However, the country’s opposition sees this move as an attempt to imprison Belarusians in their own country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin View on Belarus and Censorship
The Russian political strategist Stanislav Belkovsky made a statement pertaining Belarus on Ukraine 24 channel during a live event. Belkovsky highlighted the fact that Putin does not like the current president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Lukashenko has been disloyal and previously has been playing multiple sides for personal gain.
Belarus- KGB Interception of Calls and Politics
The president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko visited a hospital in Minsk. At present, Belarus is dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic. There have been 1,691 new cases of Coronavirus infection on November 28th. This is the highest number in one day ever recorded in Belarus.
Belarus — Sanctions and a Big Announcement
This week, the European Parliament adopted a November resolution pertaining to tougher sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko and his government. According to the European Parliament, the previous actions were insufficient and not harsh enough. A majority of the EU parliament voted in favor of the tougher sanctions.
Belarus Drifting Towards Russia and China
Belarus is experiencing challenging times with a negative impact on its populous. Alexander Lukashenko continues to be the President of Belarus despite the falsification of the election results. Russia is one of the few nations that recognized Lukashenko as a legitimate president.
Free Russia Forum Wraps Up Virtual Conference
The fourth Free Russia Forum just wrapped up. Due the Coronavirus pandemic, the forum was held virtually. At the end of the forum, the participants were offered a draft resolution pertaining to the situation in Belarus and preventing the “crimes” of the illegitimate ruling Belarusian regime.
Britain, Belarus Expel Diplomats
On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that the decision to expel the staff of the Belarusian embassy would be a “clear message” to the authorities of this country, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, that their unfair decision will have consequences.
Belarus- Over 500 Arrested During Opposition Protests
Over 500 people were detained in Minsk today during the opposition demonstrations that have been ongoing since August against President Alexandr Lukashenko’s fraudulent re-election. As reported by the Associated Press news agency, most of the arrests took place in the country’s capital, Minsk and those arrested include several high-profile journalists and athletes.
Lukashenko- Nuclear Power Plant Launch ‘A Historic Moment’
Alexander Lukashenko claims that two blocks of the nuclear power plant near Ostrovets will cover 40 percent of the country’s electricity needs. Alexander Lukashenko considered the launch of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) near Ostrovets, as a historical moment in the life of Belarus.
Spanking Children Banned by Law in Scotland
Scotland became the first country in the United Kingdom to enact legislation prohibiting the physical punishment of children under the age of 16. In Scotland, a law has come into force against spanking children, according to the online edition Express and Star on Saturday, November 7.
European Union Sanctions Alexander Lukashenko
The European Union (EU) on Friday approved sanctions against the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, for having orchestrated fraud in the country’s August 9 presidential elections and for the subsequent repression against peaceful protests and opposition in the country.
Lukashenko Inquires About Minsk Oil Field
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asked about the possible acquisition of the Minsk oil field on the territory of Russia, the press service of the Belarusian leader reported. It was about starting negotiations on the supply of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) to Belarus next year.
Armenia Asked Russia for Help
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has asked the Russian president for help in securing his country. The Armenian Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday (October 31st) that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had officially asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch an “urgent consultation” on ensuring Armenia’s security.
How Belarus Differs from Ukraine.
Protests in Belarus started after the presidential election in August. The results of the election were flawed, to put it mildly. The opposition leader, Svetlana Tichanovskaya, whose husband has been jailed, had to leave the country. The reason behind her departure is the fear for her life and safety.
Belarus — Tikhanovskaya Announces National General Strike
Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya announced the start of a national strike on Monday, following the expiration of an ultimatum that Tikhanovskaya had previously presented to the Belarusian authorities that President Alexander Lukashenko must resign.
Belarus — Lukashenko Ignores General Strike Deadline
Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaïa on Sunday called upon Belarusians to begin a nationwide strike starting on Monday. On Sunday, a new demonstration against President Alexander Lukashenko brought together more than 100,000 people in the capital, Minsk.
Belarus Opposition Awarded EU’s Sakharov Prize
The European Parliament has awarded the democratic opposition in Belarus as the deserving winners of this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The award announced Thursday is scheduled for December 16, during a plenary session that would be held in Strasbourg, France.
Belarus Protests- Opposition Demands Lukashenko Vacate Office by Oct 25th or Face Mass Protests
Thousands of people once again took to the streets of Belarus today in protests against the country’s president, Alexander Lukashenko, despite an earlier threat by the authorities to use live gunfire on them. The protests resulted in the arrest and subsequent detention of over 100 people in Minsk, police said.
Belarus — Tikhanovskaya Gives Lukashenko Deadline to Resign
On Tuesday, Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya gave President Alexander Lukashenko a deadline to resign by October 25. Otherwise, she would mobilize the opposition members in the country to embark on a series of massive demonstrations that would paralyze activities and bring the country to a standstill.
Next Step for Belarus As Opposition Leaders Released From Jail
A member of the initiative group of Viktor Babariko, businessman Yuri Voskresensky and Director of PandaDoc Dmitry Rabtsevich had a meeting with Lukashenko. Thereafter, they were released from the jail. The announcement came via Belarus 1 TV Channel. Belarus 1 is a state-owned television channel in Belarus.
Belarus- Protests Continue, Tens of Thousands Demand Lukashenko Must Go!
Just as it has become kind of a norm in Belarus every weekend, tens of thousands took to the streets today demanding that Lukashenko must step down as the nation’s president. It’s estimated that about 100,000 people took part in today’s demonstrations against President Alexander Lukashenko despite the heavy security deployed by the authorities.
Canada, UK Impose Sanctions on Lukashenko
Canada and the United Kingdom on Wednesday announced sanctions against the Belarusian President Aléxander Lukashenko, his son, and other senior Belarusian government officials. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes. They were the first sanctions to be implemented by major Western powers.
Belarus – Lukashenko Must Go! Declares Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron irked by the on goings in Belarus notably the brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators by the Lukashenko led administration, President Macron has ramped up the pressure on the embattled Belarus president by insisting that Alexander Lukashenko must vacate office, saying Lukashenko “must go”.
Belarus Protests- Dozens Detained as Lukashenko Desperately Clings to Power
At least 80 people were detained at opposition demos in Belarus on Saturday as women took to the streets to protest against Alexander Lukashenko‘s continued clinch on the nation’s presidency as reported by the the Viasna human rights organization.
Belarus — New Technology Allows for “Unmasking” Police
On Thursday, there was an announcement pertaining to new technology designed in Belarus. Belarusian experts presented an algorithm that allows users to identify law enforcement officers, while they are wearing masks. Since the Belarusian presidential election, the protests have not stopped.
EU Foreign Ministers Agree Not to Recognize Lukashenko, Fail to Pass Sanctions
The European Union foreign ministers on Monday unanimously agreed not to recognize the democratic legitimacy of the Belarusian president, Alexandr Lukashenko, following the country’s recent controversial elections. The said ministers, However, failed to adopt sanctions against the regime after Cyprus vetoed.
Are Poland and Lithuania Planning to Leave the European Union?
This weekend it became clear that Poland is working on the integration project with Lithuania. Hence, it would create the new Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This would also mean that both nations will be leaving the EU. It should be noted, Poland and Lithuania have been on the forefront of the Belarus situation.
Belarus- Russia Pranks Head of the European Parliament
On Saturday, Russian Alexey Stolyarov aka Lexus pranked the Head of the European Parliament David Sassoli. David Maria Sassoli is an Italian politician and journalist, a member of the Democratic Party. Sassoli, a member of the European Parliament since 2009, was elected its President on 3 July 2019.
New German Technology to Aid in the Crowd Numbers Calculations
Germany announced the creation of the new technology to assist in providing the accurate crowd numbers. At the end of August, thousands took to the streets in the “anti-Corona protests”. There was an attempt to close Berlin by the law enforcement. The government tried to stop the planned demonstration due to the concern of the Coronavirus spread.
Belarus — Lukashenko Gives Feeble Interview
This weekend, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko gave an interview pertaining to the seven steps to the new Belarus that the opposition, led by Svetlana Tichanovskaya, is planning to implement. Lukashenko’s interview was a feeble attempt by the president to discredit the opposition.
Belarus — Tikhanovskaya Promises “Taraikovsky List”
Belarus continues to experience a challenging situation. There have been casualties and mass arrests. This week, President Alexander Lukashenko met with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Putin provided Lukashenko with financial aid and support.
Recapping Putin & Lukashenko’s Big Meeting in Sochi
Russian president Vladimir Putin and the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, held an official meeting in Sochi on Monday. The closed talks between the presidents of the two nations lasted almost five hours. Lukashenko’s visit to Sochi brought a lot of attention, not only from the former Soviet Bloc but also the West.
Belarus — UN Expresses Concern for Rights Situation
Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that she has received alarming reports of the violent and ongoing repression of peaceful demonstrations in Belarus. During its opening session on Monday, the U.N. Human Rights Council approved a proposal on the need for an urgent debate on the human rights situation in Belarus.
Belarus- Lukashenko Must Go! Demonstrators Demand
Belarusians aren’t giving up just yet. Their rallying call remains one, Lukashenko must go!! For the fifth consecutive Sunday, the streets of Belarus’s major cities have been flooded with a sea of demonstrators in their tens of thousands demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarus- Women Beaten In Massive Protests
Minsk, the capital city of Belarus was once again a scene of chaos as thousands of women took to the streets on Saturday in protest against the Belarusian head of state over the recent handling of the election. Lukashenko’s continued illegal stay on power and his government’s autocratic tendencies.
EU and Russia Battle for Belarus
Belarus entered its second month of civil unrest. This month, there have been more arrests of the key opposition members in Minsk. However, President Alexander Lukashenko managed to stay in power. Russia was one of the few nations who recognized the results of the presidential election in Belarus last month to be legitimate.
Understanding the Politics of Russia and Belarus
There have been a lot of changes happening in Russia and Belarus. Within the past six years, these developments include the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the amendments to the Russian Constitution. At present, the protests and tumultuous political situation as a whole are of concern.
Belarus — Znak, Another Opposition Figure, Detained
Belarusian opposition figure, lawyer Maxim Znak, is said to have been ambushed and subsequently dragged into a car by masked men in the capital, Minsk. According to the opposition Coordination Council, Znak was scheduled to participate in a video conference that morning but did not show up.
Belarus on the Path to Civil War?
The Polish telegram channel Nexta, which became one of the main channels for the Belarusian opposition to report news and organize actions together, conducted a poll. The poll conducted was pertaining to the question, “are you ready to join the self-defense units and fight back against the punishers?”
Belarus— Maria Kolesnikova’s Arrest Condemned
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has demanded the immediate release of her political collaborator, Maria Kolesnikova, who was arrested by the Belarusian authorities yesterday. Tikhanovskaya issued a statement Tuesday from exile in Lithuania.
Belarus — Opposition Leader Kolesnikova Detained
A key Belarusian opposition figure may have been detained on Monday by strangers concealing their identity using masks. The information source is a Belarusian news portal, Tut.by. The source published the information quoting people who witnessed the drama.
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