Belarusian president and long-time ruler amid regional tensions
A Russian critic-artist known as Semyon Skrepetsky has been shot dead in Biała Podlaska, Poland, close to the Belarusian border. Two Belarusian suspects are detained; authorities say the victim expressed anti-Russian views through provocative art. The incident follows his Berlin protest on Russia Day and amid ongoing tensions around Ukraine.
A bus carrying a children's soccer team from Belarus to southern Russia has been struck in the Bryansk region near Ukraine. One woman has died and several others, including children, are injured. Russia has opened a terrorism probe, with Belarus and Ukraine denying involvement.
Belarus is facing heightened scrutiny as Zelenskiy has demanded the removal of equipment used by Russia from Belarus within a week. Kyiv warns of action if Lukashenko does not comply, amid ongoing border tensions and deepening Belarus–Russia ties.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
Belarusian authorities have freed 25 prisoners as part of an interim deal tied to sanctions relief for two state companies, with Washington signaling further prisoner releases. U.S. envoy John Coale says more progress is possible as Lukashenko opens talks that could ease international isolation.