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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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On December 9, 2025, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to repeated incursions of weather balloons and drones from Belarus, which have disrupted Vilnius airport operations and civil aviation. Lithuania accuses Belarus of orchestrating a hybrid attack involving smuggling contraband cigarettes and destabilizing national security. The emergency grants military powers to coordinate with law enforcement to counter these threats.
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European broadcasters are divided over Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026 amid tensions over Gaza. Several countries threaten to boycott if Israel competes, citing concerns over political interference and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The EBU plans rule changes to prevent voting manipulation, with a vote on Israel's inclusion 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.
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Lithuania has declared a nationwide emergency over a surge in Belarusian balloons used for cigarette smuggling. The balloons disrupt flights and border security, with authorities suspecting Belarusian involvement in a hybrid attack aimed at destabilizing Lithuania amid tense regional relations.
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Several countries including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Iceland are withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation, amid ongoing tensions over Gaza. The EBU's decision to allow Israel to compete despite criticism has sparked protests and threats of boycott from multiple broadcasters.
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On December 17, 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced a total naval blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, escalating military and economic pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's government. The US military presence in the Caribbean has increased, including the seizure of an oil tanker. Venezuela and its allies Russia and China condemned the move, while the UN urged restraint to avoid regional instability.
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Belarusian President Lukashenko has released 123 political prisoners following talks with US envoy John Coale, amid discussions of restoring US embassy operations and easing sanctions. The move signals a potential thaw in Belarus-US relations, though tensions over Belarus's alliance with Russia and internal repression persist.
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On December 13, 2025, Belarus released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leaders Maria Kolesnikova and Viktar Babaryka, following negotiations with the U.S. that led to lifting sanctions on Belarus's potash sector. Most prisoners were deported to Lithuania or Ukraine, often without passports or documents, highlighting ongoing repression despite the releases.
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Belarus has released 123 political prisoners following talks with the US, including opposition figures and activists. Many were deported without passports, raising concerns over human rights violations and forced exile. The move signals a tentative thaw in US-Belarus relations, but underlying repression persists.
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Lithuanian authorities have detained 21 individuals linked to a criminal group suspected of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus using GPS-equipped balloons. The operation involved over 80 searches and targeted a conspiracy that coordinated balloon launches and cigarette distribution, amid ongoing regional security concerns.
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Russia has announced the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus, entering combat duty. President Lukashenko confirmed the arrival, while Putin warned of potential military escalation if peace talks fail. The missile's capabilities and strategic implications heighten concerns over the Ukraine conflict's future.
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A new international Board of Peace, chaired for life by Donald Trump, has been announced to oversee Gaza's postwar management and expand to global conflicts. Invitations have been sent to around 60 nations, with some accepting and others expressing concern over its scope and funding requirements. The initiative aims to challenge the UN's influence.
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On January 22, 2026, former President Donald Trump officially launched the 'Board of Peace' at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Initially aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction post-conflict, the board's remit has expanded to address global conflicts. Trump will chair the board for life, with membership requiring a $1 billion fee for permanent status. The initiative has drawn mixed international reactions, with some countries joining and others, including key European allies, declining over concerns it may undermine the United Nations.
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Former President Trump announced the creation of a new Board of Peace, aiming to oversee a 20-point plan for Gaza and broader conflicts. He claims the board may replace the UN's role, with initial focus on disarming Hamas and stabilizing Gaza. Several countries, including Russia, have been invited to join.
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Since its launch at Davos, Trump's 'Board of Peace' aims to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and global conflicts. Despite backing from some countries, many nations oppose or delay participation, citing concerns over legitimacy, scope, and potential to undermine the UN. Its future remains uncertain amid diplomatic tensions.
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Vladislav Baumgertner, former CEO of Uralkali, was identified via DNA after his body was found on Avdimou beach, Cyprus. He went missing on January 7. An investigation into his death is ongoing. Baumgertner had a complex history involving Belarusian authorities and Russian business disputes.