
Belarus Leader Pardons 20 Political Prisoners Before New Year
The move comes as Washington reopens channels with Minsk, pressing for broader releases while more than 1,000 detainees remain behind bars.

The move comes as Washington reopens channels with Minsk, pressing for broader releases while more than 1,000 detainees remain behind bars.

The hypersonic Oreshnik missile, previously used by Russia in strikes on Ukraine, has been stationed in Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko said.

Nearly 30,000 air passengers were delayed last month as smuggling balloons repeatedly forced Vilnius airport to close.

Vilnius is preparing to deploy its crisis management policy, as smugglers’ balloons keep arriving from one of its hostile neighbours.

Minsk pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens as part of an agreement between President Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump.

As two border crossings with Belarus reopen, Poland is introducing new fences and surveillance systems to curb illegal crossings and boost security.

Washington aims to secure the release of more political prisoners and improve U.S.-Belarus relations.

The decree issued by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko on October 31st escalates tensions that began after Poland and Lithuania tightened border controls in September.

Vilnius has extended border restrictions with Belarus, following incidents involving suspected cigarette-smuggling balloons.

Weather balloons keep drifting into the Baltic state’s airspace, with a third known incident prompting the closure of its two largest airports.