Recent events in Belarus have drawn international attention, particularly due to the ongoing crackdown on dissent under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The arrest of seven journalists from an independent regional news outlet highlights the government's efforts to suppress free speech and media independence. Additionally, Belarus's involvement in geopolitical tensions, including its close ties with Russia and the hosting of Russian military activities, has further positioned the country in the global spotlight.
Belarus, officially known as the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has a population of approximately 9.4 million and is known for its strong state control over the economy and political life. President Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has maintained an authoritarian regime characterized by limited political freedoms, state-controlled media, and a lack of competitive elections. Belarus's strategic location and its relationship with Russia have made it a focal point in regional security discussions and international relations.
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Myanmar's military leader, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss military and economic cooperation. This marks Hlaing's fourth visit to Russia since the 2021 coup, amid ongoing Western sanctions against both nations. The talks included agreements on energy and arms supplies, including drone technology.
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Russian comedian Ostanin has been detained and faces up to six years in prison for allegedly inciting hatred through a joke. Reports indicate he was mistreated during his transfer from Belarus to Russia, suffering serious injuries. His case highlights the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
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Myanmar's military junta has announced plans to hold elections in December 2025 or January 2026, a move widely condemned as a 'sham' by critics. With significant opposition and ongoing violence, the credibility of the elections is in serious doubt, raising concerns about further bloodshed in the country.
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Alexander Skobov, a 67-year-old dissident, was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison by a military court in St. Petersburg for anti-war statements and alleged ties to the Free Russia Forum. His health has deteriorated significantly during detention, and he remains a vocal critic of the Russian government.
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Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced their intention to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, allowing them to stockpile and use landmines again. This decision is driven by increased military threats from Russia and Belarus, as stated by the countries' defense ministers on March 18, 2025.
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Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western intelligence agencies have reported a surge in covert operations attributed to Russian intelligence, including sabotage and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and creating political discord in Europe. Recent reports highlight the escalation of these activities and the challenges in countering them.
