Belarus Review by iSANS — July 14, 2025 

According to Ukrainian monitoring channels, between 7 and 13 July, at least 52 Russian unmanned aerial vehicles were recorded in Belarusian airspace, including combat drones of the “Shahed” type and “Herbera” simulators. Social media users shared videos of drone flights in the Homiel district and over Mahiliou. In response, the Belarusian Air Force deployed fighter jets and helicopters, as well as air defence systems. Reports were received regarding their destruction and subsequent crashes.

On 10 July, at approximately 11:40 Lithuanian time, a Russian “Herbera” drone — unarmed and serving as a decoy version of the “Shahed” commonly used by Russian forces to confuse air defence systems — crashed on Lithuanian territory near the closed Sumskas border checkpoint, roughly one kilometre from the Belarusian border. Available information suggests that shortly before the crash, the drone was being pursued by a Belarusian Air Force Mi-35M helicopter attempting to shoot it down. A similar incident occurred in September 2024, when a Russian “Shahed” passed through Belarusian airspace and crashed in Latvia.

Additionally, media outlets reported that on the night of 12 July, a drone was shot down in the Homel district, with debris falling near the settlement of Ziabrouka in the same region. The eponymous airfield is a base of a Russian Armed Forces air defence unit. It cannot be ruled out that the drone was downed by Russian forces, although this information remains unconfirmed. Furthermore, according to RBC-Ukraine, a Belarusian helicopter shot down a Russian combat drone that was flying toward Ukraine. Citing sources in Ukrainian intelligence, the outlet reports that on 12 July, a Belarusian Mi-24 helicopter from the country’s air defence forces destroyed a Russian “Herbera”-type combat UAV heading toward the Ukrainian border. At the time, at least three Russian drones were reportedly operating in Belarusian airspace. The debris from the downed drone fell in the Homel region of Belarus.

On 8 July, the Ministry of Defence of Belarus reported that comprehensive training exercises were underway, involving engineering units of the 188^th Engineering Brigade. The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Pavel Muraveika, personally observed the training. During the exercises, held on the banks of the Dnieper River, personnel practised actions as part of a platoon (or company) for constructing bridges and establishing and maintaining ferry and landing crossings. Tasks also included setting up engineering obstacles, breaching notional enemy barriers, and demining terrain. Additionally, activities related to fortification — such as the construction of trenches, dugouts, and camouflage positions — were carried out.

On 9 July, it was reported that a working meeting took place in Minsk between representatives of the communications department of the Belarusian General Staff and a delegation from the Signal Corps of the Vietnamese Armed Forces. The discussion focused on issues related to communications organisation, unit deployment, and specialist training. During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation also observed the training process at the Faculty of Communications and Automated Control Systems of the Military Academy and at the military faculty of the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics. The delegation additionally visited enterprises of the State Authority for Military Industry.

On 9 July, an interview was published with the Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces Pavel Muraveika. In the interview, he addressed several topics, including the “Zapad-2025” exercises and the deployment of the “Oreshnik” missile system in Belarus. On the “Oreshnik” missile system: all technical matters concerning the creation of units equipped with the “Oreshnik” have been resolved. “As of today, all logistical matters, the formation, establishment, and development of units equipped with the ‘Oreshnik’ have been resolved. Moreover, we have personnel ready to learn, deploy, and coordinate with our Russian brothers in operating units armed with such weaponry on our territory,” Muraveika stated. On the “Zapad-2025” exercises: the locations for the manoeuvres have been moved deeper into Belarusian territory, and the number of participants reduced. International observers have also been invited. “We are indeed prepared and have taken concrete steps to relocate the main phases of the exercises away from our western and southern borders so as not to provoke anyone or create anxiety. Additionally, we reduced the number and composition of troops. We invited foreign observers and are ready to grant them access to all episodes and scenarios of the exercises. So far, we have received no response from our Western partners,” Muraveika said. For the first time, it was explicitly stated that the “Zapad-2025” exercises were initially planned to take place in border regions with Ukraine (along the southern border). It is also known that in autumn 2024, reconnaissance — visual surveys of potential training sites — was conducted, including in the regions adjacent to the Ukrainian border.

Belarusian Telegram channels have been used to recruit volunteers for contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD), according to reports. Identical advertisements appeared in regional job-hunting channels such as “Jobs in Brest” and “Jobs in Pinsk,” calling urgently for volunteers: “Urgent! Volunteers for a contract with the Russian MoD! Highest payments! Full support, meals, accommodation, bonuses, simple paperwork! Free travel from any city!” The offer promised a signing bonus of 400,000 Russian rubles (around USD 5,000), plus additional 2,400,000 rubles (about USD 31,000), totalling 2.8 million rubles. Monthly salaries were advertised as ranging from 210,000 to 320,000 rubles (up to USD 4,000), with potential for more payments, depending on the region and duties. For a one-year contract, the total compensation was estimated at 5,320,000 rubles (approximately USD 70,000). The ads were later removed from both platforms.

During a plenary session in Strasbourg on 8 July, members of the European Parliament held a debate on the situation in Belarus, declaring that normalisation of relations with the country is impossible without the release of all political prisoners and genuine democratic reforms. The European parliamentarians agreed that the releases of political prisoners from prisons are welcome, but this is not enough. EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated that the regime must “immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, repeal repressive laws — particularly ‘extremism’ legislation — and end politically motivated persecution.” She also called for Belarus to cease its involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. MEP Michal Kobosko added, “As long as Lukashenka rules, human rights in Belarus are dead,” and stressed that “recent prisoner releases should not obscure the fact that these individuals were never meant to be jailed. “The EU should not even consider easing measures against the dictatorial regime in Belarus until all political prisoners are released”, Danish MEP Per Clausen added. German MEP Sergei Lagodinsky warned against perceiving the release of Tsikhanouski and other prisoners as an act of mercy on the part of the ruler of Belarus. He believed that the unconditional release of all political prisoners, as well as the regular issuance of passports to Belarusians in Europe, would be a sign of true reform in Belarus. While this is not happening, the EU countries should issue new passports to Belarusians. Belarus still leads the world in the number of political prisoners per capita, noted German MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann. She asked the European Union not to forget about the crimes of the “cruel dictator” Aliaksandr Lukashenka and to strengthen support for the Belarusian opposition. Lithuanian MEP Dainius Žalimas called on the EU to prepare an official report on the deaths of political prisoners and asked colleagues to demand that the EU punish all accomplices of the Lukashenka regime. All speakers echoed the demand for the unconditional release of political prisoners and expressed support for bringing Lukashenka before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Pavel Latushka, deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet, thanked the MEPs for their principled stance and underlined that “repressions in Belarus have not stopped.” He called the debate a strong signal that there will be “no normalisation with the EU until all political prisoners are freed and repression ends,” affirming that international pressure remains key to democratic change in Belarus.

The Belarusian democratic leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held talks with Lithuania’s Minister of the Interior on 8 July. The minister reaffirmed that Lithuania would continue to support Belarusians. In response, Tsikhanouskaya expressed her gratitude for Lithuania’s consistent support and welcomed a number of decisions taken in favour of Belarusian citizens. These include the extension of residence permits to up to three years, the issuance of alien passports, the decision not to require documents necessitating a return to Belarus (such as apostilles), as well as the provision of Lithuanian documents to Belarusians who have found themselves in third countries. They also discussed pressing issues such as bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining residency and documents, with Tsikhanouskaya proposing establishment of a working group to address individual cases. She additionally called for an extension of the vehicle number plate replacement deadline. The minister noted the importance of security, given the approximately 1.5 million border crossings with Belarus annually, and confirmed that passenger border crossings would remain open.

On 10 July, Sviatlana and Siarhei Tsikhanouski held a closed briefing attended by ambassadors and representatives from over 20 countries, focusing on Belarusian political prisoners, support mechanisms, and strategies for their release. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted a grim trend: “Even when people are released, the repression does not end — new arrests continue,” stressing that the regime is using individuals as hostages to extract concessions from the international community. She noted that while the recent release of a group of political prisoners proved that “everything is possible when we are coordinated, united, and consistent,” only 1.5% of political prisoners have been freed, with over 1,150 still behind bars. Tsikhanouskaya warned that released prisoners are deported rather than granted genuine freedom, as “a new hostage appears in place of every released one.” She rejected any lifting of sanctions without irreversible changes, insisting that “ending repression and freeing political prisoners is the first step towards the national dialogue demanded by Belarusian society.” Following the briefing, a discussion was held with 12 ambassadors who addressed further steps to free political prisoners and support for civil society, human rights defenders, and independent media.

On 11 July, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Dubrovnik Forum at the invitation of the Croatian government. The international conference, hosted by Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, gathered over 400 government officials, diplomats, and experts under the theme “Channelling the Change,” focusing on post-war recovery of countries. Speaking on the panel “SOS: Western Values in Distress?”, Tsikhanouskaya stressed that democracy must be actively defended against populism, disinformation, and authoritarian abuse. She drew parallels between Aliaksandr Lukashenka and Slobodan Milosevic, noting their shared use of fear and repression to cling to power. Tsikhanouskaya emphasised a global moral divide “between those who believe in freedom and those who embrace tyranny,” and warned that dictators have learned to exploit democratic tools to undermine democracy itself. She concluded by rejecting authoritarian narratives, stating: “Democracy works — if we defend it.” Tsikhanouskaya also held a series of high-level meetings during her participation in the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia, according to her press service. One of the key meetings was with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The primary focus of their discussion was the release of Belarusian political prisoners. Tsikhanouskaya called on Italy to join the coordinated efforts of the U.S. and EU to push for further releases and an end to repression in Belarus. Regional security and the broader geopolitical situation were also addressed. According to Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, Minister Tajani expressed strong support for the Belarusian people and confirmed Italy’s readiness to work jointly with partners to help achieve democracy in Belarus.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs  established a new Directorate for Unfriendly Countries, which will include Belarus. The restructuring, signed by the Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on 7 July, also includes the creation of a Department of International Security and Defence, as well as changes to regional departments — such as separate units for the U.S., Canada, and Central Africa. The new directorate will not focus on bilateral relations, but rather on countering threats from states like Russia, North Korea, and Belarus. “Ukraine is defending itself against full-scale aggression, and our policy must prioritise neutralising threats,” the MFA stated. The directorate will be overseen by the First Deputy Minister. Additionally, departments for sanctions policy and NATO affairs are being formed.

Poland imposed national sanctions on Belarusian businessman Alexander Moshensky, owner of major companies such as “Santa Bremor,” “Savushkin Produkt,” and “Santa Retail,” according to the Polish Ministry of the Interior. Moshensky, a well-known entrepreneur, had previously obtained residency in Warsaw, allowing him to conduct business in Poland and travel freely between the two countries. Moshensky’s Polish business interests were investigated by the National Tax Service. Many months of work led to his inclusion in the sanctions list. “This is probably the longest processing of an application for inclusion in the sanctions list. Various departments have encountered noticeable resistance,” an interlocutor from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration told the Polish television channel TVN24. The rationale for the sanctions decision states that Alexander Moshensky has close personal, political and business ties with Lukashenka. The agency pointed out that Moshensky supported Lukashenka, including in the 2020 elections, and is part of the dictator’s inner circle. According to the Polish authorities, this indicates Moshensky’s deep integration into the Belarusian regime. Consequently, his stay in Poland “may pose a threat to state security,” the document says. The sanctions include the freezing of assets and business operations, as well as a ban on entry into the Schengen Zone.

Since the beginning of 2025, seven waves of “pardons for political prisoners” have taken place in Belarus, as a result of which 105 people were released. The first wave of pardons started on 18 January, the last, according to pro-government sources, took place on 2 July.  However, during the same period, 167 people received the status of political prisoners, according to “Viasna” Human Rights Centre. They were residents of different regions of Belarus, of different ages and social statuses. They were charged under a number of “political” articles of the Criminal Code. Thus, despite the pardons, the total number of political prisoners in the country continues to increase.

In recent months, accusations under article 342 of the Criminal Code (organisation of or participation in actions that grossly violate public order) have become more frequent. The Belarusian authorities have not officially commented on these detentions, so their exact scale is unknown. According to “Viasna” Human Rights Centre, this is due to the fact that the five-year period from the 2020 protest actions will soon expire, which means that the statute of limitations for prosecution under this criminal charge will end, after which those involved cannot be convicted. However, even after this date, persecution under Article 293 of the Criminal Code (participation in mass riots) will continue as the statute of limitations does not apply to this charge.

The Hrodna Regional Court heard the case of Yauhen Shlyakhtsenak, an employee of the Mastouski military enlistment office. He was tried under three political charges: joining an extremist group; calling for actions aimed at harming the national security of Belarus; and facilitating extremist activities. It is still unknown what the exact verdict is. According to the most severe of these charges, he faced four to 12 years of imprisonment. The verdict has come into force. On 11 July 2025, Shlyakhtsenak was included in the list of “extremists”.

Aliaksandr Rybchanka, the former director of a school in the agro-town of Dabramysli in the Lioznenski district, was convicted for facilitating “extremist activities.” It is unknown what exactly he was accused of and what the exact verdict is. The verdict has come into force. Rybchanka was included in the “list of extremists”.

Mass detentions of people who were identified by the security services from the footage of a Polish documentary about the protests are taking place in Belarus, “Viasna” reported. The name of the film is not specified. Those whom the security forces identified in the film footage are being detained on charges of “organising and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, or actively participating in them.” “Viasna” also reported that security forces continue to identify Belarusians participating in solidarity actions abroad. Human rights activists are aware of new cases of harassment of Belarusians living abroad and participating in protest actions. Criminal cases are initiated against such people, and their property in Belarus is seized.

On 8 July, political prisoner Mikita Losik, the brother of political prisoner Ihar Losik, was sentenced to three years of restriction of freedom and sent to an open-type correctional facility. Mikita Losik was detained on 10 April 2025. He was tried in the Belarusian Hajun case on charges of facilitating extremist activities. The verdict was handed down by the Vitsebsk Regional Court, and Losik was released in the courtroom, as is done when the accused is given a restriction of freedom, rather than a custodial sentence. According to investigators, in February 2022, Losik sent several photos of Russian military equipment that was traveling through Orsha to the Belarusian Hajun Telegram channel. The Belarusian Hajun monitoring project, which collected data on the movement of Russian military equipment in Belarus during the war in Ukraine, ceased its activities in February after it became known that the safety of people who sent information to it was compromised. It is now known that there are at least six trials and at least 26 defendants in the “Hajun case” who have been placed in custody. “Viasna” noted that these are the confirmed cases, and the total number of detainees is significantly higher.

The Belarusian authorities have recognised the United Transitional Cabinet, created by the leader of the democratic opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, as a “terrorist organisation” and banned its activities in Belarus. This was announced by the Prosecutor General’s Office on 9 July. It was stressed that any participation in the activities of this organisation, its financing, or assistance “entails criminal liability.” According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the evidence presented to the court enabled the conclusion that there were “elements of terrorist activity” in the actions of the organisers and active participants of the Cabinet. “The materials of criminal cases confirmed incitement of social hatred and discord, conspiracy to seize state power, and the commission of many other grave and especially grave crimes for which the courts have issued convictions,” the Prosecutor General’s Office noted. The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus commented on the decision of the Belarusian authorities. “This decision had no legal basis, contradicted international norms, and was another act of political persecution and propaganda aimed at discrediting the democratic forces defending the rights of the Belarusian people to freedom and democracy. Declaring the Cabinet a “terrorist organisation” is an attempt to intimidate all citizens who support the struggle for freedom. This is an indicator of the illegitimate regime’s fear of alternative institutions of Belarusian society. This is a continuation of the trend of escalation of the socio-political conflict and a deepening of the level of public confrontation,” the statement said. “Global practice shows that the main feature of “terrorist activity” is acts aimed at intimidating the population in order to achieve political, religious, or other goals. Therefore, it is very strange for the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus to be recognised as a terrorist organisation by a regime that has been terrorising its citizens both in Belarus and abroad for five years, committed an act of air piracy, is accused of cross-border crimes and crimes against humanity, and has become an accomplice to aggression against Ukraine,” the United Transitional Cabinet stated.

The government submitted to the House of Representatives a bill “On Amendments to Codes on Issues of Administrative Responsibility”. The bill provides for a fine or arrest for promoting homosexual relations and childlessness. As noted in the press service of the House of Representatives, it was prepared taking into account law enforcement practice and provides for bringing the codes in line with sectoral legislation.

On 9 July, Aleh Khamenka, the leader of the Palats group, a musician, teacher, and radio host, was recognised as a political prisoner. A criminal case has been opened against him for collaborating with an independent Belarusian media outlet that is on the list of “extremist formations”. “The real grounds for the criminal prosecution of Aleh Khamenka were political motives aimed at stopping or changing the nature of his legitimate public activities aimed at non-violent exercise of freedom of expression and dissemination of information,” the statement of human rights organisations said.

On 11 July, 45 more names were added by the authorities to the “list of extremists” — now 5,511 people are on it. It does not fit into one Word document and is divided into four parts. Most of those added were convicted under article 342 of the Criminal Code related to participation in protests.

Andrei Arol, a businessman, was arrested in Mikashevichi. The reason for the arrest, according to human rights activists, was either a “like” or a comment on a social network after Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Arol is currently in the pre-trial detention centre No. 7 in Brest. His shops, which sold children’s toys, clothes, bicycles, and carried out their repairs, have been closed since 18 June.

The security forces recorded a repentance video with the parents of blogger Andrei Pavuk. This was reported by propagandist Ryhor Azaronak. According to him, a new criminal case was opened against Pavuk after he appeared with the state red-green flag of Belarus at the gay pride parade in Vilnius. Uladsimir Horehlyad, the Senior Commissioner for Particularly Important Cases of the Main Directorate for Combating Organised Crime and Corruption, clarified that the case was initiated under the charge of abuse of state symbols. He commented that over 50 criminal cases have been opened against Pavuk. “The Code of Criminal Procedure stipulates that when a criminal case is initiated, the entire range of investigative and other measures is carried out, including searches, arrests of property, and interrogations. When a new person appears around Pavuk or he commits another crime, and other persons are implicated in this crime, these persons will be searched, arrested, and interrogated. It is worth noting that if these persons are abroad, in Poland or Lithuania, that is, outside the jurisdiction of the Republic of Belarus, their relatives and friends will be visited, as this is also provided for by Belarusian legislation. It turns out that when they jump at gay parades to the tune of Pavuk, their loved ones will suffer,” Horehlyad commented. Azaronak presented a video featuring Pavuk’s parents with their faces blurred.

“The European Union has taken note of the recent release of a number of Belarusian political prisoners,” Anitta Hipper, Lead Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy of the EU, said in a statement on the X social network. “We continue to call on the Lukashenka regime to free all those arbitrarily detained, especially people in life-threatening conditions. Ongoing arrests, repression, and human rights violations must stop,” the statement read.

On 9 July, during the 1534^th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, an statement by EU member states and aligned states on released political prisoners in Belarus was adopted. It welcomed the release of Siarhei Tsikhanouski and four other political prisoners from Belarus, as well as nine citizens of third countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Sweden, thanks to U.S. engagement. It was, however, noted that a large-scale politically motivated prosecution in Belarus continues. According to data gathered by independent human rights defenders, there are still almost 1,200 political prisoners unjustly detained. Reports of appalling conditions of detention, isolation from families and lawyers, ill-treatment, and torture, with no access to essential health services, are alarming. It was stressed that the EU remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Belarus and strongly condemns the continuing persecution and intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society, including human rights defenders, journalists, independent trade unionists, civil society representatives, and persons belonging to national minorities by the Belarusian regime. “We reiterate our calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners in Belarus, for their effective rehabilitation, and for an end to further repression against all segments of Belarusian society,” the statement read.

Last week, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou spoke at the XVII BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. According to him, today’s global challenges require “a genuinely multilateral approach in international affairs.” “Belarus sees a practical embodiment of this ideology in BRICS — a union based on equality, mutual respect, and the pursuit of collective solutions. At a time when outdated unipolar mechanisms are proving ineffective and increasingly politicised, the role of BRICS as a pillar of a multipolar world and as a foundation of a just global order becomes critically important,” he stated. Ryzhankou noted that Belarus ultimately aims to obtain full-fledged membership in BRICS once the group is ready for further expansion. In his speech, he also criticised “certain states” that impose sanctions and apply “unilateral coercive measures driven purely by political motives,” arguing that such actions undermine “the international community’s efforts” to resolve global problems.

On July 8, pro-government “human rights activist” Aliona Krasouskaya commented in SB. Belarus Segodnya on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s expressed interest in potentially limiting the veto power of UN Security Council members. “So why is the Secretary-General suddenly talking about genocide and the right of veto now?” she asked rhetorically. “First, because the UN has recently had a significant chunk of its funding cut, with warnings that things will only get worse if the organization doesn’t start falling into line. Second, someone seems intent on taking full control of the world’s most significant international body and governing the planet at their own discretion. For that, the West, led by the United States, just needs to eliminate the only obstacle left — the UN Security Council and Russia’s veto power.” Krasouskaya warned that if this were to happen, “a third world war would be unleashed by the West in no time.”

During this period, Belarusian propagandists continued commenting on the international actions of Donald Trump, attempting both analysis and emotional-psychological evaluations of the American president. On July 7, pro-government political analyst Andrei Lazutkin, writing for Minskaya Pravda, labeled Trump a “pacifist,” while sarcastically observing that “wars under his watch, as expected of pacifists, are waged via covert sabotage and terrorist methods,” which, he claimed, Iranians could confirm. “So, when peace doves in American uniforms come to talk with Aliaksandr Hryhoryevich [Lukashenka] , we welcome them, but nothing more. Words must be followed by actions,” he warned. Propagandist Yury Uvarau wrote that Trump, who aspires to “make America great again,” has “a strange idea of greatness,” as “bombing a militarily weaker country is not greatness but a form of cowardice and meanness.” In another piece, he suggested that Trump may be suffering from “emotional instability or even more serious mental illnesses,” claiming that his latest “flare-up” happened “in the peak of summer.” He accused Trump of shifting from “peacemaker” to “prosecutor,” pressuring Russia through unprecedented sanctions, and offered a warning that past attempts to confront Russia — by Napoleon, Hitler, and the Crusaders — ended in catastrophe. “Trump should study history,” Uvarau advised. New columnist Siarhei Shauchenka added that Trump is constantly forced to revise his decisions and “swings wildly from side to side,” while the latest BRICS summit demonstrated that “competent, self-assured political professionals could not care less about American hysterics and are determined to stay their course.”

Former political prisoner and human rights defender, member of “Viasna” Leanid Sudalenka discussed possible scenarios for the release of political prisoners with Yury Vaskrasenski, a representative of Lukashenka’s circle. Although Vaskrasenski clarified he was speaking in a personal capacity, he speculated that if “American partners” lifted restrictions on potash transit and nitrogen sales, and if they reopened airspace — convincing European allies to do the same — “at least half the prisons” could be emptied of those labelled political prisoners.

Meanwhile, propagandist Ryhor Azaronak, writing in Minskaya Pravda, disdainfully addressed those who disagree with the regime’s direction and threatened them, warning that anyone inside Belarus who does so is already “under the watchful eye” of the security services and is risking their freedom. “Either stay quiet like mice under a broom, or — with your visor up — renounce all your BNR medals, trample on the white-red-white flag, curse the foreign clique, and take flowers to the Leader of the People at the Stalin Line. Then, you may be allowed into the public sphere. We are watching everyone. Every word. Every public action. And we will keep watching obsessively, without rest — you will not be given a single chance to rise.” Azaronak also expressed nostalgia for Stalin, claiming such a leader is once again needed. “Stalin is returning more and more distinctly to our lives. It is inevitable. He is summoned by the times. Stalin is not needed in times of affluence, hedonism, and ‘sustainable development.’ He is needed in moments of great hardship, war, deadly confrontation, and intricate diplomatic games. He is needed when generals steal, oligarchs feast, and volunteers collect drones for the front. Stalin is needed for negotiations with America — to resist their blackmail and trickery, to outwit them. One day we will wake up, and the City [of London] will be gone, replaced by a new, eighth Stalinist skyscraper soaring into the sky.”

Experts at iSANS continue to observe signs of a growing personality cult around Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Azaronak reminded readers that on July 10, 1994, Lukashenka became Belarus’s first president. According to Azaronak, back then “darkness ruled everywhere” and “America stood at the height of its power,” with the world “kneeling before it.” Lukashenka’s rise to power supposedly marked the beginning of a “global uprising” leading to the downfall of the “unipolar, unjust, globalist world.” “Lukashenka is a miracle of God. On July 10, the Creator kissed our land,” Azaronak concluded with melodramatic flourish. By contrast, in a July 11 interview with Minsk-News, Minsk City Council deputy Valiantsina Dauhaliova cautiously criticised fellow Lukashenka allies for excessive quoting of the president “on every occasion.” She noted that Lukashenka has already reached such heights that he “no longer needs PR,” since he “proved everything to everyone a long time ago.”

On July 11, SB. Belarus Segodnya published a transcript of an interview with Belarusian Chief of the General Staff Pavel Muraveika. He claimed that Europe “has gone more insane than the rest of the world,” accusing it of militarisation “to satisfy proposals coming from across the ocean.” According to Muraveika, the U.S. president carried out a “unique operation to militarise Europe,” allegedly hooking it onto the “military needle of the American defence industry.” He dismissed the uproar surrounding the “Zapad-2025” military exercises as nothing new, noting that ahead of the “Zapad-2009” drills, European politicians also warned of an imminent Russian attack. “It is like a thief shouting loudest, ‘Catch the thief!’ Those who scream loudest about aggression are the ones preparing for it,” he said. He notably failed to mention that, despite initial promises from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, Russian troops did not leave Belarus after the joint “Union Resolve” exercises in February 2022. Nor did he acknowledge that Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine included operations launched from the Belarusian territory. When asked about the “Oreshnik” system, Muraveika stated only that “all logistical and structural questions related to the creation, formation, and development of units equipped with Oreshnik systems have been resolved.” He added that Belarus already has personnel ready to use the systems in coordination with their Russian counterparts operating similar weapons on Belarusian soil.

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iSANS team