August 2020 Belarus Special Weapons News

Russia sees no reason to send forces to Belarus as situation under control: Kremlin Press TV 31 Aug 2020 -- The Kremlin says the situation in Belarus is under control, stressing that Russia sees no need to send forces to calm the post-election unrest in the neighboring country.
Belarusian Opposition Politicians Announce Creation of New Political Party Sputnik 31 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian politician Viktor Babariko and member of the opposition coordination council's presidium Maria Kolesnikova announced the creation of the political party "Together", Viktor Babariko's Telegram channel said on Monday.
Belarusian Hockey Honcho And Lukashenka Ally Greeted With Boos RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- A Belarusian hockey honcho and ally of embattled President Alyaksandr Lukashenka got an earful when he appeared at a hockey tournament over the weekend at a rink in southeastern Belarus.
Belarus Detains Member Of Coordination Council, Searches Her Home RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian law enforcement have detained a top member of a council set up to coordinate a transition of power as authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka seeks to extend his rule.
Russian, Belarusian Foreign Ministers To Hold Talks In Moscow On September 2 RFE/RL 31 Aug 2020 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with his Belarusian counterpart Uladzimer Makey in Moscow on September 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on August 31.
Putin says West looks as if prepared response to Belarus election in advance Press TV 30 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is reason to suspect that Western countries prepared their rejection of Belarus' recent presidential election result before the vote was even held.
Continued Protests in Minsk as Putin Wishes Lukashenko a Happy Birthday VOA 30 Aug 2020 -- Tens of thousands protested in the Belarusian capital of Minsk Sunday, the president's birthday, demanding he resign.
Arrests Made As Tens Of Thousands Of Protesters Rally In Minsk RFE/RL 30 Aug 2020 -- Tens of thousands of Belarusians have streamed into the center of the capital for the latest mass demonstration against longtime authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
A Political Crisis Has Gripped Belarus. Is An Economic Crisis Next? RFE/RL 29 Aug 2020 -- As political protests sweep across Belarus following a presidential election that the opposition has called rigged, citizens aren't only lining up in the streets to show solidarity with opponents of the country's strongman leader.
Belarus Revokes Accreditation Of At Least 17 Journalists Covering Postelection Turmoil RFE/RL 29 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian authorities stripped accreditations from at least 17 journalists from major foreign news organizations who have been covering the country's turmoil following the disputed presidential election. Two Moscow-based reporters with the Associated Press were also deported.
Belarusian President Threatens to Cut European Transit Routes if Sanctions Imposed VOA 29 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday threatened to cut European transit routes through Belarusian territory if sanctions are imposed on his country.
Russia ready to intervene if Belarus situation out of control: Putin Global Times 28 Aug 2020 -- Russia is ready to intervene if the situation in Belarus gets out of control, although only as a last resort, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Lukashenko: Belarus, Russia Could Unite Troops in Case of Threat on Western Border Sputnik 28 Aug 2020 -- Late last week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pledged that Minsk would "react without warning" to any attempt aimed at violating the country's western borders.
Even 'Proud Friend' Serbia Is Silent As EU's Balkan Aspirants Cautious About Belarus RFE/RL 28 Aug 2020 -- As Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has tried to beat back a wave of public anger over the mishandling of what critics say is his latest rigged election, voices have been raised all over Europe against the violence against protesters.
Belarusian Authorities' Crime 'Will Not Be Erased From Memory,' Says Opposition Leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya RFE/RL 28 Aug 2020 -- Now in its 19th day, Belarus's political crisis has slipped toward a potentially more dangerous phase with President Vladimir Putin signaling the possibility of deploying a Russian security force to help buttress Alyaksandr Lukashenka's grip on power.
EU Ministers Agree On Belarus Sanctions, OSCE Offers To Mediate RFE/RL 28 Aug 2020 -- European Union foreign ministers have agreed to impose sanctions on up to 20 senior Belarusian officials suspected of involvement in election fraud and a brutal crackdown against protesters since the country's disputed August 9 presidential election.
Dozens Of Journalists Detained Covering Protests In Belarus RFE/RL 28 Aug 2020 -- Around 50 journalists, including six from RFE/RL, were detained while covering postelection protests in Minsk on August 27, in the latest intimidation of the press in Belarus as authorities widen a crackdown.
Putin urges Belarus authorities, opposition to find way out of crisis Press TV 27 Aug 2020 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin urges Belarus' officials and opposition to resolve their differences towards ending the political turmoil that has followed the ex-Soviet republic's elections.
Putin Backs Minsk's Response To Protesters, Says Russian Troops Prepared To Deploy RFE/RL 27 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Minsk's response to postelection protests -- claiming after he announced Moscow's preparations to bolster President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime with Russian security forces that the Kremlin is more "neutral" on the Belarusian crisis than the United States or the European Union.
Dozens Of Demonstrators, Journalists Detained In Minsk As Opposition Protests Continue RFE/RL 27 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian police have detained dozens of protesters and journalists working for local and foreign media in the capital, Minsk, as demonstrations and strikes challenging the results of this month's presidential election continued for a 19th day.
Lukashenko Claims 3Mln People Attended Protests in His Support Across Belarus Sputnik 27 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday the number of his supporters who had taken to the streets across the country amid the post-election unrest was around 3 million people, which he describes as a "great force."
NATO Chief Calls on Belarus President to 'Respect Fundamental Rights' VOA 27 Aug 2020 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday the alliance is "watching developments in Belarus closely," and that NATO supports "a sovereign and independent Belarus."
Polish Envoy, Regional Experts Eye Russia's Options in Belarus VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- Poland's top diplomat in Washington is calling for Russia to avoid any unilateral action to end a wave of protests against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, saying the crisis can best be dealt with by a united effort of the international community.
Senior US Diplomat Aims to Bridge Differences with Moscow Over Oppposition Leader Poisoning, Belarus VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- The second-most senior U.S. diplomat wrapped up talks with top Russian officials in Moscow Wednesday – capping a two-day visit aimed at bridging differences over issues including the ongoing political crisis in Belarus and the sudden illness of a leading Russian political opposition figure from what appears to be a poisoning.
'No Work Is Worth Being Silent': Belarusian Athletes Increasingly Turning Against Lukashenka RFE/RL 26 Aug 2020 -- In the days since popular protests erupted in Belarus following the disputed election that Alyaksandr Lukashena was declared the winner of, a string of cultural luminaries have joined the opposition: theater directors, musicians, the country's beloved Nobel laureate.
Belarusian Nobel Laureate Refuses to Answer Questions in Opposition Probe VOA 26 Aug 2020 -- Nobel Prize-winning author and Belarusian opposition activist Svetlana Alexievich refused to answer questions Wednesday after Belarusian investigators summoned her for questioning over allegations of criminal activities committed by a newly formed opposition group with which she is associated.
What Exactly Is The Coordination Council And What Are Its Plans To Oust Belarus's Leader? RFE/RL 25 Aug 2020 -- One day after an estimated 200,000 people flooded the streets of Minsk demanding longtime leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka to step down, the council established to facilitate a transfer of power met the reporters in the Belarusian capital for the first time.
Tsikhanouskaya Calls For Belarusian Dialogue As Clampdown, Protests Continue RFE/RL 25 Aug 2020 -- Authorities in Belarus handed down jail sentences against opposition leaders and tightened their clampdown against weeks of unprecedented protests on August 25, but demonstrations continued and the exiled challenger in this month's disputed election vowed that the country's pro-democracy movement "will not be broken."
That Gun! Lukashenka Chooses Weapon Favored By Osama Bin Laden, Islamic State Leader RFE/RL 25 Aug 2020 -- After besieged Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka strode from his helicopter gripping an assault rifle on August 23, some watching may have felt a flash of deja vu. It was the same distinctive model of gun Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was frequently photographed with and the favored weapon of Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Belarusian Government Ups Crackdown Against Opposition Activists VOA 25 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian authorities have jailed several opposition activists as part of a mounting pressure campaign against protesters who are planning more demonstrations against President Alexander Lukashenko to force an end to his 26-year rule.
As Lukashenka Turns To Geopolitics, The West Faces Learning Curve In Belarus RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- With hundreds of thousands of protesters flooding the streets of Minsk in recent days as Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka put the military on high-alert warning of a foreign-backed plan to oust him, the standoff in Belarus shows no signs of subsiding.
After Belarusian Journalists Quit State TV, Russians Fill The Void RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- For almost a decade, Syarhey Kozlovich had been employed by the sprawling apparatus of Belarusian state TV. From his debut as a lowly member of the technical team in 2011, he worked his way up to becoming a presenter on Belarus-1, the country's main television channel.
Police Round Up Opposition Coordinators In Belarus RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- Authorities in Belarus have stepped up detentions of prominent protest organizers and summoned others ahead of efforts to punish high-profile opposition leaders and dull weeks of unprecedented unrest.
Batka Gets His Gun. Belarusians Take Note. Laughter Ensues. RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- At first, the sight of a government Mi-8 helicopter flying over massive protests in Minsk led to speculation that President Alyaksandr Lukashenka was fleeing the capital amid days of opposition pressure for him to step to step down.
As Lukashenka Turns To Geopolitics, The West Faces Learning Curve In Belarus RFE/RL 24 Aug 2020 -- With hundreds of thousands of protesters flooding the streets of Minsk in recent days as Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka put the military on high-alert warning of a foreign-backed plan to oust him, the standoff in Belarus shows no signs of subsiding.
Belarus Authorities Arrest 2 Leading Opposition Activists VOA 24 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian authorities arrested two leading opposition activists allegedly helping to spearhead protests in the country, demanding the resignation of longtime President Alexander Lukashenko following a disputed election.
Russia's FM: Belarusian opposition members who left for West seek 'bloodshed' Press TV 23 Aug 2020 -- Russia has accused Belarusian opposition members, who have left the country for West amid violent protests over election results, of seeking "bloodshed."
Lukashenko orders 'stringent measures' to confront NATO on Belarus border Press TV 23 Aug 2020 -- Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered the army to take "stringent measures" against NATO troops, who are "seriously stirring" near the country's borders.
Belarusians Pack Minsk Streets Calling For Lukashenka's Ouster RFE/RL 23 Aug 2020 -- Tens of thousands of people have packed the streets of the Belarusian capital, Minsk, for a rally against the disputed reelection of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and a postelection crackdown amid a heavy military presence in the city and a fresh warning from the army.
Zelenskiy Says Fresh Election In Belarus With Observers Would Calm Political Crisis RFE/RL 23 Aug 2020 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says that, if he were in Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's place, he would call fresh elections in one month with international observers present.
Tens of Thousands Rally in Belarus, Call for Lukashenko to Resign VOA 23 Aug 2020 -- Tens of thousands of people rallied in the Belarus capital Sunday and called for President Alexander Lukashenko to resign after disputed election results, a postelection crackdown, and a heavy military presence in the city.
Belarus president blames US, Europe for riots in Belarus after re-election Press TV 22 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has hit out at the US and allied European nations, saying they are sponsoring violent protests by opposition supporters across the country following his landslide re-election victory.
Belarus Opposition Leader To Meet Leading U.S. Diplomat In Lithuania RFE/RL 22 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya will meet on August 24 with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun in a sign of U.S. participation in seeking a peaceful resolution to a disputed presidential election in Belarus.
Belarus Will React Without Warning to Attempts Aimed at Violating Its Border, Lukashenko Says Sputnik 22 Aug 2020 -- Earlier in the day, Lukashenko said that putting the army on combat alert and deploying troops on Belarus' western borders was his main decision in 25 years.
Belarus Opposition Calls on West to Reaffirm Country's Territorial Integrity VOA 22 Aug 2020 -- Belarus opposition figures are urging Western governments to collectively make it clear to the Kremlin that Russia must avoid a military intervention to save Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
UN Calls on Belarus to Release Peaceful Protesters Arbitrarily Detained VOA 22 Aug 2020 -- The U.N. Human Rights office is calling on Belarusian authorities to immediately release all people unlawfully arrested during anti-government protests, which broke out nearly two weeks ago in the wake of allegedly fraudulent presidential elections.
Belarus Blocks Scores of News Sites Amid Protest, International Outcry VOA 22 Aug 2020 -- A Minsk-based journalism trade group is calling on the Belarusian Information Ministry to immediately unblock more 50 news media websites in what they're describing as a virtual blackout of reporting on protests over authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko's bid to extend his 26 years in power.
Lukashenka Claims Belarus Crisis Resolved In Days As Opposition Calls For More Strikes RFE/RL 21 Aug 2020 -- Belarus's leading opposition figure has said Belarusians "will never accept" President Alyaksandr Lukashenko's leadership, who has vowed to resolve his country's political crisis "in the coming days."
As Lukashenka Clings To Power, His Trusty Machismo Is Losing Its Allure RFE/RL 21 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka took to the podium in Minsk early this month - shortly after his government disqualified three strong rivals in the upcoming presidential election - to assuage fears that his iron grip over the country was under threat.
Can Fatal Moments Seal an Autocrat's Fate? VOA 21 Aug 2020 -- Autocrats fall when people lose their fear - and that moment can be signaled dramatically by a simple jeer. As it was last week when Europe's so-called "last dictator," Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko, was booed during a speech at a Minsk factory by workers who chanted for him to step down.
Supporting the Aspirations of the Belarusian People US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2020 -- "The United States has been inspired by the display of peaceful expression of the Belarusian people seeking to determine their own future. We stand by our long-term commitment to support Belarus' sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people to choose their leaders and to choose their own path, free from external intervention."
Pompeo: US Stands by Belarusian People, Backs International Efforts to Examine Election VOA 20 Aug 2020 -- The United States on Thursday defended Belarusian protesters and said it supported international efforts to examine the recent contested election, which gave President Alexander Lukashenko his sixth term in office.
EU Sanctions Belarus Officials, But Lacks Leverage Against 'Europe's Last Dictator' VOA 20 Aug 2020 -- As protesters continue to take to the streets in Belarus following a disputed August 9 election, Europe says it will impose sanctions on Belarusian officials it says were involved in vote-rigging and in the violent crackdown on opposition demonstrations.
EU rejects Belarus election results, readying sanctions against Minsk Press TV 20 Aug 2020 -- The European Union (EU) has rejected the results of Belarus' presidential election, claiming it was not "free and fair" and saying it would soon impose sanctions on Belarusian officials.
Belarusian president urges western powers to focus on their own problems People's Daily 20 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Wednesday that western leaders should focus on their own problems rather than the political situation in Belarus, state news agency BelTA reported.
Pressure on Belarusian president, external interference 'counterproductive': Putin tells EU Press TV 20 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko or external interference in the internal affairs of Belarus will be counterproductive.
Belarus Prosecutors Open Probe Against Founders Of Opposition Council As Protests Continue RFE/RL 20 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian prosecutors on August 20 opened a criminal investigation into the founders of an opposition council set up to negotiate the transition of power amid huge protests challenging the "rigged" results of a presidential election earlier this month that gave President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a fresh six-year term.
'Have You Seen This Person?': Activists In Belarus Say Dozens Unaccounted For Amid Political Crisis RFE/RL 20 Aug 2020 -- Kanstantsin Shyshmakou, the head of the local military history museum in the medieval southwestern Belarusian city of Vaukavysk, was one of two members of his local election commission to refuse to sign off on the results of Belarus's contentious August 9 vote.
Belarus Leader Threatens Criminal Charges Against Opposition VOA 19 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is threatening to bring criminal charges against opposition leaders, as hundreds defied police and turned out in Minsk for another night of protests.
Political Foe of Belarus President Urges EU to Reject Election Results VOA 19 Aug 2020 -- A political opponent of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko urged European Union leaders Wednesday not to recognize the country's recent presidential election, declaring it was rigged in favor of Lukashenko.
Belarusian Protesters Defy Lukashenka As EU Rejects Election Result RFE/RL 19 Aug 2020 -- Hundreds of Belarusian protesters gathered in Minsk on August 19 in defiance of a new push by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to clear the streets of the capital on the 11th day of rallies against his rule as the European Union refused to recognize the reelection of the longtime authoritarian president and said it will soon impose sanctions on his government.
China respects Belarus's development path, opposes external forces creating divisions: Chinese FM Global Times 19 Aug 2020 -- China does not want to see chaos in Belarus and opposes outside forces creating divisions and instability in the country, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Putin rejects pressure on Belarusian leadership in phone call with Macron People's Daily 19 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed "the aggravated situation" in Belarus in a phone conversation Tuesday, the Kremlin has said.
Belarus' Lukashenko says opp. attempting coup with formation of transitional council Press TV 19 Aug 2020 -- Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has accused the opposition of attempting to stage a coup by forming a council to supposedly oversee a political transition in the country.
Belarusians Vent Postelection Anger Against Schools, Teachers That Backed Results RFE/RL 19 Aug 2020 -- As the political crisis in Belarus continues to unfold, citizens across the country are expressing disappointment and anger -- not only for the government of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, but for the people they depended on to prepare them and their children for the future -- teachers.
Lukashenka Orders Ministry To Stem Unrest In Belarus, Tighten Border Controls RFE/RL 19 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has instructed the Interior Ministry to prevent unrest in the country and tighten border controls to keep purported foreign influences from fomenting instability in the face of an 11th day of street protests and strikes over a controversial presidential election.
NATO Secretary General discusses Belarus with President of Poland NATO 18 Aug 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the situation in Belarus in a telephone conversation with President Andrzej Duda of Poland on Tuesday (18 August 2020).
External pressure on Belarus unacceptable, Putin tells Western leaders Press TV 18 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told Western leaders that exerting pressure on the Belarusian leadership would be unacceptable, as violent protests continue against Belarus' newly re-elected President Alexander Lukashenko.
Putin Has No Good Options As Belarus Crisis Surges RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- On the evening of August 16, as hundreds of thousands rallied across Belarus calling for the ouster of its authoritarian leader, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the Conflict Intelligence Team, a Russian investigative outfit, posted an alarming report.
Belarusian Opposition Forms Council As Lukashenka Threatens Crackdown RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- The opposition in Belarus has launched a coordinating council to organize a transfer of power, a move embattled President Alyaksandr Lukashenka described as an attempt to seize power following a controversial election and brutal crackdown on his opponents.
Ukraine Summons Belarusian Ambassador, Saying Release Of Russian Mercenaries Undermined Trust RFE/RL 18 Aug 2020 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine has summoned the Belarusian ambassador for consultations on deteriorating relations between the two countries.
More Workers Join Strike to Oust Belarusian President Lukashenko VOA 18 Aug 2020 -- More workers joined a growing strike Tuesday to oust authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko after he extended his 26-year term in an election that detractors contend was rigged.
Belarus' president rules out repeat election, warns country's existence at stake Press TV 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko has rejected calls for a new election, warning that foreign powers aim to destabilize the country, as former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya declared "readiness to become a national leader."
Heckled And Jeered, Lukashenka Says New Election Could Be Held After Constitutional Changes RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka says fresh presidential elections are possible if changes are made to the constitution, a sharp turn from his previous statements as thousands of workers went on strike and participated in mass protests over election results many have called "rigged."
Lukashenka's Pleas To Factory Workers Met With Jeers, Not Cheers RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka helicoptered in to a firestorm on August 17 in an effort to rally industrial workers following a major show of force by the opposition the night before.
After Huge Minsk Opposition Rally, Has Lukashenka Run Out Of Political Options? RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- The contrast between the images couldn't have been starker.
Armenian Official Defends Pashinian's 'Quick' Congratulatory Message To Lukashenka RFE/RL 17 Aug 2020 -- A senior Armenian official says Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's congratulatory message to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on his disputed reelection was in line with the agenda of Armenia's peaceful 2018 revolution.
Foreign Secretary statement on Belarusian Presidential elections UK FCO 17 Aug 2020 -- The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has stated the UK does not accept the results of the Belarusian Presidential elections.
Belarus crisis: Top UN official concerned over torture allegations UN News 17 Aug 2020 -- In the wake of ongoing electoral-related unrest in Belarus, the top UN official in the country has requested an urgent meeting with authorities focused on the issue of human rights, according to a statement from her offic
Opposition Candidate Says Ready to Lead Belarus VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to become the leader of the country following a disputed election that ignited massive protests after longtime President Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner.
Russia Could Step In to Help Embattled Belarus Leader Amid Massive Protests, Accusations of Rigged Election VOA 17 Aug 2020 -- Russia indicated it was ready to provide military assistance to embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko - even as massive crowds marched in protest to an August 9 election protesters say was rigged in favor of the longtime Belarusian leader.
Russia says ready for military help as violent anti-Lukashenko protests rage in Belarus Press TV 16 Aug 2020 -- Russia says it has told Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko it is ready to offer military assistance as violent protests continue against Lukashenko and his contested re-election in the ex-Soviet republic.
Putin Tells Lukashenka Russia Ready 'To Provide Help' Militarily If Needed RFE/RL 16 Aug 2020 -- The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has told Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka that Russia is ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact, if necessary.
Lukashenka Rules Out Repeat Vote As Massive Crowd Turns Out For Opposition RFE/RL 16 Aug 2020 -- Huge crowds gathered in the Belarusian capital in the biggest outpouring yet of opposition to the disputed reelection of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka as pressure mounts for him to step down after 26 years in power.
Biggest Crowd Yet Protests in Belarus VOA 16 Aug 2020 -- The largest crowd so far turned out Sunday in Belarus for the ninth straight day of protests against what they say was a stolen presidential election by longtime authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Putin, Lukashenko agree Russia will help maintain security in Belarus if needed Press TV 15 Aug 2020 -- The Belarusian and Russian presidents say the turmoil that has followed the recent presidential elections in the ex-Soviet republic will be remedied soon and not left out for exploitation by the parties that seek to poison the two countries' relations.
Thousands Mourn Protester As Belarus's Postelection Rallies Continue RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- Thousands of Belarusians have staged a seventh day of peaceful protests against President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's disputed reelection and a harsh crackdown that has drawn international outrage.
Belarus's Lukashenka Rejects Foreign Mediation Of Postelection Crisis, Says Russia Promised 'Full Assistance' RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- A defiant Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has rejected the possibility of foreign mediation in his country's ongoing postelection crisis, and told military officials that Russia has promised to provide a "full range of assistance" if requested.
Baltic States Urge New Election In Belarus, Call For EU Sanctions RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- The prime ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have called on Belarus to conduct a new, "free and fair" vote after the country's disputed August 9 presidential election.
New Video Of Belarus Protester's Death Appears To Contradict Official Version Of Events RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- New video published by the Associated Press on August 15 showing the death of a Belarusian protester appears to contradict the official version of events.
Kyiv Angry Over Belarus's Release Of Alleged Russian Mercenary Group RFE/RL 15 Aug 2020 -- Kyiv has expressed anger over a decision by Belarus to release a group of alleged Russian mercenaries that was detained near Minsk in late July.
UN chief: Belarusians must be able to exercise their 'civil and political rights' UN News 14 Aug 2020 -- Closely following the developments in Belarus, Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement on Friday underlining the importance of enabling all Belarusians to "exercise their civil and political rights".
Amid Election Protests, Belarusian State TV Presenters Are Walking Off The Job RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- State-television presenters in Belarus are signing off for good, fed up with putting a positive spin on the country's turmoil, as some of their viewers take a beating while protesting what they believe to be a rigged presidential election.
Striking Workers Lead Demonstrators In Minsk March As Protests Spread RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- Several thousand protesters gathered in front of the main government building in the Belarusian capital to demand a recount of the country's disputed August 9 election, which handed strongman President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a sixth term and sparked nationwide protests that have been brutally put down by security forces.
Belarus Opposition Candidate Calls On Supporters 'To Defend Our Choice' RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- The main challenger to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the August 9 presidential election, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was forced to leave the country a day after the election and is currently in Lithuania, has called on her supporters to "defend our choice," while urging ongoing protests to continue into the weekend.
Belarusian Protests Upend Lukashenka's Geopolitical Game With Russia, China, The West RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- As Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka finds himself increasingly embattled at home in the face of the most widespread protests of his 26 years in power, the 65-year-old leader must also navigate a difficult test in the international arena.
European Commission Considering Fact-Finding Mission To Minsk RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- European Union Neighborhood Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi has expressed his readiness to travel to Minsk on an EU fact-finding mission to gather information following the government's crackdown on protests triggered by the August 9 presidential election, which the bloc has described as "neither free nor fair."
Belarus Releases Alleged Russian Mercenaries Detained In Purported Plot RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- Belarus has released 32 Russian citizens who were detained near Minsk last month and accused of being mercenaries plotting to "destabilize" the situation in Belarus around the August 9 presidential election.
EU Mulls Sanctions On Belarus Amid Accusations Of 'Widespread Torture' RFE/RL 14 Aug 2020 -- The European Union is ratcheting up pressure on Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in response to a brutal crackdown on protests triggered by elections the bloc described as "neither free nor fair."
EU Calls for Sanctions on Belarus After Disputed Elections VOA 14 Aug 2020 -- European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Friday for sanctions against Belarus, where security forces cracked down on opposition protests against authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Uncertainty Hovers Over Belarus as Thousands Hit the Streets Again VOA 14 Aug 2020 -- Uncertainly hovered over Belarus on Friday as protests against President Alexander Lukashenko gained momentum - with tens of thousands disputing the Belarusian strongman's claim of a landslide victory during an August 9 election marred by voter fraud and a crackdown against unarmed demonstrators.
In Belarus, Journalists Beaten and Detained, Internet Cut VOA 14 Aug 2020 -- As Belarus cracked down on protesters contesting the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko, dozens of journalists were detained, beaten, and deported, and internet service was blocked as authorities tried to stifle opposition to the Aug. 9 vote.
UN rights experts express 'outrage' at Belarus police violence against peaceful protesters UN News 13 Aug 2020 -- UN human rights experts on Thursday, strongly criticized the level of violence being used by security forces across Belarus against peaceful protesters and journalists, following five days of demonstrations over the disputed presidential election.
France's Macron Holds Talks With Russian, Iranian Leaders Over Lebanon, Belarus RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss postelection violence in Belarus and the situation in Lebanon following a devastating blast in Beirut.
Russia says outside forces attempt to destabilize Belarus after post-election protests Press TV 13 Aug 2020 -- Russia says outside forces are clearly attempting to destabilize neighboring Belarus, which has witnessed violent protests in the past few days after President Alexander Lukashenko won the election.
Another Casualty Of The Brutal Belarus Crackdown: Minsk's Thriving IT Sector RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- Against the backdrop of Belarus's Soviet-style command economy, in which state companies dominate sectors like oil and gas, fertilizer, tractor manufacturing, and agriculture, one industry has long been an outlier: a thriving IT sector in Minsk.
'How Can This Be Our Country?': Claims Of Torture Abound As Belarusian Jails Swell RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- In the dead of night, you can hear the muffled screams outside Minsk's Akrestina prison.
Despite Minsk's Crackdown, Hungary Says EU Should Pursue 'Dialogue' With Belarus RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- Hungary has called on the European Union to pursue "dialogue" with Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
Nobel Laureate Alexievich Says Lukashenka Has 'Declared War' On Belarusian People RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- The Belarusian Nobel Prize-winning writer Svetlana Alexievich has condemned brutal police violence against demonstrators across Belarus, saying "the authorities have declared war on their people" and the President Alyaksandr Lukashenka should step down from power to prevent a bloody civil war.
Nonviolent Protests Proliferate, International Pressure Mounts As Belarus Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- Nonviolent protest actions have been proliferating across Belarus as people continue to protest the official vote tally in the country's August 9 presidential election -- results that gave incumbent President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a landslide reelection victory.
Belarusians Brave Beatings, Detentions As Postelection Pressure Piles On Lukashenka RFE/RL 13 Aug 2020 -- Belarusians have defied a harsh crackdown in a fourth day of protests that spilled into the night as pressure mounts on President Alyaksandr Lukashenka over a weekend vote the opposition says was rigged to extend the strongman's 26-year rule.
Pompeo Says US May Impose Sanctions on Belarus as Protests in Country Continue Sputnik 13 Aug 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States might impose sanctions on Belarus over the ongoing wave of violence in the country following the presidential election.
Belarus: UN rights chief condemns violence against protesters, calls for grievances to be heard UN News 12 Aug 2020 -- The flow of free information is "crucial" in a democratic society, the UN human rights chief said on Wednesday, spotlighting the landlocked eastern European nation of Belarus, "especially in a context of crisis and social unrest".
Fourth Straight Night of Protests in Belarus VOA 12 Aug 2020 -- Thousands protested in Belarus for the fourth straight night Wednesday against what they said was the fraudulent election of President Alexander Lukashenko for a sixth term.
Exclusive: Pompeo Vows U.S. Action To Ensure 'Good Outcome' For Belarusian People RFE/RL 12 Aug 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking about the contentious Belarusian presidential election and the ensuing police crackdown against peaceful protesters, says that "we want good outcomes for the Belarusian people, and we'll take actions consistent with that."
Fourth Night Of Postelection Protests In Belarus As Pompeo Vows U.S. Action RFE/RL 12 Aug 2020 -- Belarus witnessed a fourth night of protests on August 12 in Minsk and elsewhere against the reelection of Alyaksandr Lukashenka in a vote that protesters say was rigged.
Women Protest In Minsk, Elsewhere In Belarus To Protest Postelection Crackdown RFE/RL 12 Aug 2020 -- Women in Minsk and elsewhere across Belarus on August 12 wore white and carried flowers as they formed human chains to protest against the massive security crackdown since the country's presidential election.
How Telegram Users Found A Way Through Belarus's Internet Lockdown RFE/RL 12 Aug 2020 -- A dynamic graphic posted to Twitter by the Internet-freedom advocacy group NetBlocks.org paints a grim picture. It shows Internet traffic in Belarus on the morning of August 9, the date of the country's bitterly disputed presidential election.
Erection of Barricades, Stun Grenades, Clashes, and Detentions Mark Third Day of Belarus Protests Sputnik 12 Aug 2020 -- Several Belarusian cities have been engulfed by a wave of mass protests in the wake of presidential elections in the country. The latter saw incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, secure the overwhelming majority of votes, something the opposition puts down to election rigging.
Belarus Continues Crackdown Against Opposition Protesters VOA 12 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko continued a crackdown against opponents to his rule - as thousands took to the streets Tuesday for a third straight night to protest a highly controversial election that saw him declared the winner despite allegations of vote rigging and violence by state security forces.
Belarus president calls security top priority Press TV 12 Aug 2020 -- Belarus' president calls maintaining security nationwide the country's top priority, saying those rioting across the country under the guise of contesting recent elections are mostly people with criminal records.
Belarus election: Thousands protest as Lukashenko wins 6th term Press TV 11 Aug 2020 -- The situation remains tense in Belarus which has been the scene of furious public protests in the past few days against President Alexander Lukashenko and a presidential election which they claim was "rigged."
Opposition Candidate Tsikhanouskaya Leaves Belarus Amid Protests RFE/RL 11 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has left Belarus and is in Lithuania, the Baltic country's foreign minister, Linas Linkevicius, announced on Twitter on August 11 amid protests across Belarus over a presidential election that the opposition says was rigged.
A New Twist As Opposition Leader Leaves Belarus Under Mysterious Circumstances. What's Next? RFE/RL 11 Aug 2020 -- Early on August 11, it became known that Belarusian opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya had left Belarus and was in Lithuania.
Authoritarian Leaders Are Watching The Turmoil In Belarus Closely. So Are The People Tiring Of Their Rule. RFE/RL 11 Aug 2020 -- Congratulations came first from China's president. Then from the entrenched leaders in Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and more.
Belarus Opposition Candidate Tsikhanouskaya Flees to Lithuania VOA 11 Aug 2020 -- Belarus opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya?said Tuesday she fled to neighboring Lithuania, after a second night of post-election demonstrations in Belarus with clashes between protesters and police.
Presidential Elections in Belarus US Dept. of State 10 Aug 2020 -- The United States is deeply concerned about the conduct of the August 9 presidential election in Belarus, which was not free and fair.
UK Statement: Belarusian Presidential Elections 2020 UK FCO 10 Aug 2020 -- The UK calls on the Government of Belarus to refrain from further violence and to respect the fundamental human rights of the Belarusian people.
Belarus: UN chief following post-election developments 'with great concern' UN News 10 Aug 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General has appealed for restraint in Belarus, where ongoing clashes between police and demonstrators continue following disputed elections held on Sunday.
As Belarus's Strongman Seeks To Extend His Embattled Rule, Moscow Watches Warily RFE/RL 10 Aug 2020 -- As election officials in Belarus claimed a landslide victory for incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka, and his main challenger rejected that result as rigged, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his counterpart a congratulatory note urging continued cooperation that "fulfills the vital interests of brotherly nations."
Xi congratulates Lukashenko on re-election as Belarusian president People's Daily 10 Aug 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Alexander Lukashenko on his re-election as Belarusian president.
Lukashenko re-elected Belarus president, opposition cries foul after deadly protests Press TV 10 Aug 2020 -- Alexander Lukashenko has won a sixth term in office as president of Belarus, in a sweeping victory that was announced after violent clashes between police and opposition supporters who say the vote is rigged.
Detentions Reported Ahead Of Renewed Protests Against Belarusian Election Result RFE/RL 10 Aug 2020 -- Police in the Belarusian capital have reportedly detained protesters ahead of continued demonstrations against official election results declaring
Belarusian Opposition Presents Broadest Challenge Yet To Strongman Lukashenka After Disputed Election RFE/RL 10 Aug 2020 -- "I know that this morning, Belarusians have awakened in a new country," opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a postelection statement on August 10. "And I hope that [this day] will bring only good news."
Police Crack Down On Protests In Belarus After Results Show Lukashenka Winning In Landslide RFE/RL 10 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian security forces violently dispersed protests in Minsk and other cities after early results from the country's presidential election gave incumbent President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a commanding lead.
Police, Protesters Clash After Belarusian Election VOA 10 Aug 2020 -- Clashes between protesters and police broke out across Belarus on Monday, after the country's longtime president was declared the winner of Sunday's national election.
Belarus Cracks Down On Vote Monitoring Ahead Of Election RFE/RL 09 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian authorities have ramped up pressure on the opposition and independent election observers ahead of the August 9 presidential ballot amid concern strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka will use fraud and repression to extend his 26 years of rule against an energized opposition.
Five Takeaways From The Belarusian Presidential Vote RFE/RL 09 Aug 2020 -- For the first time in recent memory, Alyaksandr Lukashenka appeared to have a fight on his hands in a presidential election. A former teacher and English translator, Svyatlana Tskihanouskaya, had electrified crowds across the country, stepping into the race only after her husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski, was barred from the ballot and arrested.
Belarus police briefly detain opposition presidential campaign official Press TV 09 Aug 2020 -- Police in Belarus have briefly detained a prominent campaign official of presidential opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, on the eve of a presidential election in which the country's long-running strongman Alexander Lukashenko faces the toughest challenge to his rule yet.
Lukashenko's Biggest Election Opponent: the Internet VOA 07 Aug 2020 -- In the closing days of the Belarus presidential election campaign, opposition candidates are holding mass rallies and incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko is visiting businesses, giving speeches to the Security Council and government - and lashing out at the news media.
Fuel Loading Starts At Belarus's New Astravets Nuclear Plant RFE/RL 07 Aug 2020 -- Belarus has begun loading fuel into the first of two reactors at its new Russian-built Astravets nuclear power plant, which it says it expects to become operational later this year.
Rosatom Announces Start of Nuclear Fuel Loading to First Unit of Belarusian NPP Sputnik 07 Aug 2020 -- The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has started loading nuclear fuel into the reactor of its first energy unit, marking the beginning of launch operations, Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Friday.
Putin, Lukashenka Discuss Detainment Of Russian Vagner Mercenaries In Belarus RFE/RL 07 Aug 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka have discussed the recent detainment of 33 mercenaries from the private Russian security firm Vagner Group in Belarus.
Thousands In Belarus Attend 'Canceled' Opposition Rally Despite Pressure RFE/RL 07 Aug 2020 -- Thousands of people gathered in a park in the Belarusian capital on August 6 in support of opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya after she had to cancel her campaign event following the city authorities' abrupt decision to replace her rallies in Minsk with government-organized events.
Five Factors That Ensure Lukashenka Wins Every Election In Belarus RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- Huge crowds of passionate supporters and interested voters greeted Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya across Belarus as her campaign gained momentum ahead of the country's presidential election on August 9.
In Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya Rally Canceled After Campaign Chief Detained, 'Warned' RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- A Minsk rally for Belarusian opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been canceled, just hours after the candidate's campaign chief was detained and "warned" by authorities not to stage what they called "unsanctioned" gatherings.
'A Win That Weakens': What Does Russia Want From Belarus's Election? RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- About two-thirds through his 90-minute speech before a hall packed with the Belarusian political elite, President Alyaksandr Lukashenka turned his attention away from the candidates challenging him in the August 9 election and focused on another player with a stake in the vote.
Lukashenka Calls For Ukraine, Russia To Help Investigate Vagner Mercenaries RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has ordered his government to invite Ukrainian and Russian prosecutors to Belarus to investigate a group of 33 mercenaries from the private Russian security firm Vagner Group who've been detained in Minsk.
In Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya Rally Canceled After Campaign Chief Detained, 'Warned' RFE/RL 06 Aug 2020 -- A Minsk rally for Belarusian opposition presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been canceled, just hours after the candidate's campaign chief was detained and "warned" by authorities not to stage what they called "unsanctioned" gatherings.
Independent Election Monitors Detained In Belarus During Early Voting RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- Independent observers who've been monitoring early voting in the Belarusian presidential election have been detained across the country after documenting numerous violations of the election law.
The Accidental Candidate In Belarus Who Is Trying To Unseat 'Europe's Last Dictator' RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is hoping to unseat Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, Europe's longest-serving leader who has been called the continent's last dictator, stepped up to the microphone, gazed out at the crowd, and apologized.
Belarusian Authorities Cancel Opposition Campaigning Ahead Of Election RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian authorities have again canceled campaign events by presidential contender Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya ahead of the August 9 election, claiming that repair work needed to be carried out where the political rallies were to be held.
Elections In Belarus: How Lukashenka Won And Won And Won And Won And Won RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- The election in 1994 that brought Alyaksandr Lukashenka to power in Belarus was arguably the first and last election in the former Soviet republic that met some Western norms. In fact, a U.S. commission hailed it as a "first step toward more pluralistic democracy and a free market system."
Moscow Threatens 'Sad Consequences' After Belarus Arrests Russian Mercenaries Near Minsk RFE/RL 05 Aug 2020 -- Russia has issued a thinly veiled threat against Belarus over the detention of 33 Russian mercenaries who were arrested at gunpoint near the capital, Minsk, last week.
Belarus Leader Warns of Violence Ahead of Weekend Presidential Elections VOA 05 Aug 2020 -- In a winding state of the nation speech before lawmakers on Tuesday, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko warned that political enemies at home and abroad were planning violence ahead of the country's upcoming presidential elections - and vowed his government would not tolerate a street revolution.
Lukashenka Accuses Opponents Of Attempting Return To 'Chaos' RFE/RL 04 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has attacked his reformist political opponents ahead of the country's August 9 presidential election, accusing them of being well-paid "foreign agents" who are attempting to return Belarus to the "chaos" of the 1990s.
Belarus Begins Early Voting In Contentious Presidential Election RFE/RL 04 Aug 2020 -- Early voting has begun in Belarus in a contentious presidential election set for August 9 that pits authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka against an opposition united around a political novice.
Exiled Belarusian Presidential Challenger: Lukashenka Will Flee If Faced With Protests RFE/RL 04 Aug 2020 -- An exiled challenger to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka says the strongman will not use force if large crowds take to the streets to challenge the results of the upcoming election.
Belarus's Rubber-Stamp Parliament Opens Session Called By President Ahead Of Election RFE/RL 03 Aug 2020 -- An extraordinary parliamentary session called by authoritarian Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has started in Minsk, just days ahead of an August 9 presidential poll.
'We Love, We Can, We'll Win': Belarusian Opposition Candidate Tsikhanouskaya Rallies Thousands Ahead Of Presidential Vote RFE/RL 03 Aug 2020 -- An estimated 20,000 people attended a sprawling rally for Belrusian opposition candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya one week ahead of the country's presidential vote.
Belarusian Presidential Candidate Tsikhanouskaya Says She Is Against Integration With Russia RFE/RL 02 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she is against forming a union state with Russia but called for maintaining good relations with Moscow.
Exiled Lukashenka Challenger Said To Leave Moscow For Kyiv RFE/RL 02 Aug 2020 -- A critic of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka who last month fled the country along with his children after his and others' candidacies were rejected for next week's presidential election has reportedly left Russia for neighboring Ukraine.
Belarusian President Lukashenka To Address Nation Days Before Toughest Reelection Bid RFE/RL 02 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka will deliver his state-of-the-union address on August 4, just days before his toughest reelection bid since coming to power more than a quarter century ago.
Belarusian President Accuses Russia Of Trying To Cover Up Vagner Group Election Plot RFE/RL 01 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has accused Russia of trying to cover up an attempt to send 200 fighters from a private Russian military firm into Belarus on a mission to destabilize the country ahead of its August 9 presidential election.
Russian Foreign Intelligence Chief Hopes Incident in Belarus Resolved for Friendly Ties Sputnik 01 Aug 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Intelligence Chief Sergey Naryshkin said on Saturday he hoped the incident of Minsk's detention of 33 Russian nationals will be resolved in the interest of fraternal relations between the two countries.
Thousands Attend Three Rallies Organized By Belarusian Opposition Presidential Candidate RFE/RL 01 Aug 2020 -- Belarusian presidential candidate Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, whose recent campaign events have drawn large crowds, staged three rallies on August 1 ahead of the country's August 9 election.

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