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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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The IOC confirmed it will allow Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, following the same policy used at Paris 2024. The decision excludes Russian teams and athletes with military ties or support for Ukraine's invasion. No discussion of banning Israeli athletes occurred. Security concerns remain high.
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Polish authorities detained a Ukrainian man and a Belarusian woman after a drone was seen flying over Warsaw's presidential palace. The incident follows last week's Russian drone incursion, heightening tensions amid ongoing NATO and Belarusian military drills. The suspects face up to five years in prison, with investigations ongoing.
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Lithuanian authorities recovered over 11 balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes, which disrupted 30 flights and affected 6,000 passengers. The balloons, used increasingly by Belarusian smugglers, are part of a broader pattern of airspace intrusions linked to heightened tensions with Russia and Belarus. Flights resumed early Sunday.
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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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Poland announced the reopening of its border with Belarus on September 23, after closing it on September 11 due to Russia-led military exercises near the border. The closure disrupted trade routes, especially affecting China-Europe rail freight, but Poland indicated it may close again if tensions reemerge. The move follows concerns over regional security and Moscow's posture.
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Recent developments in Olympic and Paralympic policies include IOC discussions on sports inclusion, health issues affecting key figures, and geopolitical tensions impacting athlete participation. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to adapt the Games to new challenges and political realities, with decisions affecting future events like 2028 and 2032.
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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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Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday. The aircraft was flying in international airspace without a flight plan and with its transponder off. Poland confirmed no violation of its airspace occurred, amid rising Russian military activity near NATO borders.
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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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On Sunday, an explosion damaged a key railway track near Mika village, Poland, on the Warsaw-Lublin line used to deliver aid to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it an unprecedented act of sabotage, implicating two Ukrainians collaborating with Russian intelligence. No injuries were reported. Authorities have arrested suspects and launched a terrorism investigation.
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On November 28, 2025, German authorities arrested Ukrainian Serhii Kuznietsov, suspected of coordinating the 2022 Baltic Sea pipeline explosions that disrupted Russian gas supplies to Europe. Kuznietsov denies involvement, claiming he was serving in Ukraine's army. Meanwhile, Poland closed Russia's last consulate in Gdansk after sabotage on its railway infrastructure linked to Russian intelligence and Ukrainian collaborators.
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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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As of December 2025, Russian athletes have been reinstated to compete under their national flag in judo starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, reversing previous neutral status imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes meeting IOC criteria will compete as neutrals at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a court ruling overturning FIS's ban. Ukrainian diver Lyskun's switch to Russian citizenship has sparked controversy and disciplinary threats.
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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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Several countries including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland have announced their withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 due to disagreements over Israel's participation. The EBU's decision to allow Israel to compete despite political tensions has sparked protests and boycotts, with some broadcasters citing disunity and insufficient reforms. The final list of participants will be announced before Christmas.
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The International Olympic Committee announced that youth athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports can compete under their national flags at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, relaxing restrictions amid ongoing tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move does not affect the upcoming 2026 Winter Games.
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The US has lifted sanctions on Belarus's potash sector after talks with President Lukashenko, which included prisoner releases and discussions on improving US-Belarus relations. Belarus, a close Russia ally, faces ongoing Western sanctions over human rights and its role in Ukraine. The talks aim to normalize ties.
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Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Ales Bialiatski, following negotiations with the US over sanctions. The move signals a potential shift in Belarus' relations with the West amid ongoing political repression.
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Belarus freed 123 political prisoners following talks with US envoy John Coale in Minsk, leading to the lifting of sanctions on potash. Key figures like opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and activist Ales Bialiatski were among those released, signaling a thaw in US-Belarus relations.