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On September 18-19, 2025, US President Donald Trump, during a UK state visit and joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to end the Ukraine war despite their personal relationship. Trump reiterated his belief that lowering oil prices and sanctions on Russian energy buyers could pressure Putin to withdraw. Meanwhile, Putin warned that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine during ongoing fighting would be legitimate targets, rejecting Western plans for a peacekeeping 'reassurance force' pledged by 26 countries. The UK and allies continue to support Ukraine militarily and diplomatically amid stalled peace talks.
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European authorities uncovered a Belarusian spy network operating across multiple countries, including Czechia, Moldova, and Poland. The network involved espionage activities linked to Belarusian and Russian military exercises, with arrests and expulsions highlighting ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region. The story underscores the threat posed by Belarusian diplomatic cover for espionage.
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Belarus faces ongoing political repression, with recent prisoner deaths and arrests highlighting the regime's brutal tactics. President Lukashenko has pardoned some prisoners but continues to detain nearly 1,200 political prisoners amid protests and international criticism. The story underscores Belarus's persistent authoritarianism.
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Poland has closed its border with Belarus in response to the ongoing Russian-Belarusian Zapad military exercises, which are seen as a threat to regional security. The border closure follows recent drone incursions and heightened military activity near Poland's eastern border. The drills, involving around 13,000 troops, are the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Belarus freed 52 political prisoners on September 11 following US-brokered negotiations, including opposition figures, journalists, and foreigners. Most crossed into Lithuania, but over 1,200 remain detained. The move signals a tentative thaw in Belarus-US relations amid ongoing repression.
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Russia and Belarus are wrapping up five days of military exercises involving around 7,000 troops, including nuclear-capable bombers and missile tests. The drills, held amid heightened tensions with NATO after recent airspace violations, aim to test combat readiness and demonstrate military strength, with some observers viewing them as provocative.
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Ukraine was targeted by 65 Russian drones overnight, with most intercepted. A residential building in Sumy was hit, killing a family including pregnant mother and children. Energy infrastructure was also damaged, cutting power to thousands. Russia claims to have destroyed 81 Ukrainian drones, amid ongoing escalation.
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As of late October 2025, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts across eight regions including Kyiv and Kharkiv. Ukraine's President Zelensky is in the US seeking advanced air defenses, long-range missiles like Tomahawks, and stronger sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine advances domestic arms production and deep-strike capabilities against Russian energy assets, while Moscow warns of escalation risks.
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The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, both imprisoned on charges seen as politically motivated. The award highlights ongoing struggles for press freedom and human rights amid authoritarian regimes in Belarus and Georgia.
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As of early November 2025, Lithuania has indefinitely closed its Šalčininkai border crossing with Belarus and restricted passage at Medininkai following repeated incursions of helium balloons carrying contraband cigarettes into its airspace. These incidents disrupted flights at Vilnius and Kaunas airports multiple times last week, prompting national security measures and discussions of NATO consultations.
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North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Russia, passing on Kim Jong Un's warm wishes amid ongoing military and diplomatic cooperation. The visit follows recent high-level meetings, including Putin and Kim's September encounter in Beijing, highlighting strengthened military support and strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.
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The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus, with a watered-down statement removing direct accusations against Lukashenko's regime to secure Hungary's support. The move follows recent balloon incidents and highlights ongoing tensions over Belarus's role in regional security and disinformation. EU diplomats see the statement as a compromise amid diplomatic negotiations.
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Lithuania closed two border crossings with Belarus on October 29 after Belarusian weather balloons caused air traffic disruptions. Belarus warns of confiscating stranded Lithuanian trucks, escalating tensions amid broader regional instability linked to Belarus and Russia. The situation reflects ongoing regional security concerns.
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Belarus accuses Lithuania of launching a drone found in Grodno, equipped with cameras and extremist materials. Lithuania denies involvement. The incident follows ongoing drone and balloon disruptions linked to hybrid tensions, with border closures and airspace restrictions affecting regional stability.
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Lithuania's Vilnius airport was suspended for 11 hours after at least 60 balloons were launched from Belarus, directed at runways. Lithuania sees this as a hybrid attack by Belarus, a close Russian ally, amid rising tensions over drone and balloon incursions linked to regional security concerns.
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Several European broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and political interference. The EBU plans rule changes to address voting manipulation, but a vote on Israel's inclusion is imminent.
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Belarusian leader Lukashenko visited Myanmar, the first such visit in 26 years, amid ongoing military rule and upcoming elections. The visit signals Belarus's support for Myanmar's military government, including plans to send election observers and strengthen military cooperation, despite widespread international criticism of the electoral process.