Belarus Review by iSANS — June 16, 2025 

According to Ukrainian monitoring channels, between 9 and 15 June, at least two Russian “Shahed”-type drones were recorded in the Belarusian airspace. No reports regarding their destruction have been received.

On 9 June, it was reported that a heavy An-124 military transport aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces arrived from Russia at the “Machulishchy” airfield. The arrival of such aircraft in Belarus is a rare occurrence: the last recorded instance took place in October 2024. The purpose of the aircraft’s visit to Belarus remains unknown.

On 13 June, the Belarusian railway workers’ community reported that the import of aerial weapons (aviation bombs and missiles of various types) from Russia to Belarus is planned in the near future. According to the project, their delivery to Belarus by rail will take place between 14 and 30 June. The designated destinations are: Lida (Hrodna region), where the 116^th Assault Aviation Base is stationed, and Prudok (Vitsebsk region), located near the 2631^st Aviation Missile and Ammunition Storage Base. The estimated volume of the planned delivery amounts to at least two military train echelons. It should be noted that in 2024, a total of 60 wagons of ammunition were delivered from Russia to the 2631^st storage base. The upcoming shipment may be linked either to the transfer of ammunition to Belarus within the framework of military-technical cooperation with Russia or to the preparations for the “Zapad-2025” exercise scheduled for September.

On 13 June, it became known that Aliaksandr Lukashenka visited the 927^th Centre for Training and Application of Unmanned Aerial Systems (military unit 97085), located in the Biaroza district. The Centre is a key military unit responsible for training specialists to operate UAVs, including drone operators, flight supervisors, and engineering and technical personnel. During the visit, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus Pavel Muraveika stated that the UAV system within the Belarusian Armed Forces is being actively improved. “Within the overall structure of the Armed Forces, a separate component of special forces has been established — the unmanned aerial systems forces. These forces are tasked with conducting aerial reconnaissance, delivering fire strikes against the enemy, target designation and fire adjustment, as well as performing support functions in the interest of other special forces,” he said. The press service of Aliaksandr Lukashenka also reported that the politician familiarised himself with the production, assembly, and repair workshop of unmanned aerial systems, which is part of the 927^th Centre, as well as the production processes and models of drones currently in service with the Armed Forces of Belarus. A field meeting was also held on the development of UAV and body armour production.

The delegation of the Military Academy of Belarus, led by the Academy’s Head, Major General Andrei Horbatenka, was on an official visit to China on 10 June. As part of the visit, negotiations were held with representatives of the Chinese side concerning the organisation of the educational process at the Military Academy of Belarus and the improvement of the training system in military educational institutions of both countries. “Particular attention was paid to the prospects for Belarusian-Chinese cooperation in the field of military personnel training, and priority areas for further collaboration were identified,” the Ministry of Defence reported. The parties reportedly signed a new contract for the training of Chinese military personnel at the Belarusian Military Academy. Chinese citizens have been receiving military education in Belarus since 1998.

The fifth meeting of the EU Consultative Group on Belarus opened in Brussels on 11 June, bringing together representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces, civil society, and European institutions. This year’s discussions focus on the political situation in Belarus, regional security, independent media, and support for civil society. Opening the event, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stressed the strategic importance of EU–Belarus cooperation, saying: “The European Union is not just our ally. It is the goal for democratic Belarus.” In her remarks, she highlighted worsening repression: “The regime has shifted from authoritarianism to totalitarianism under the pretext of war and ‘internal enemies’.” She also exposed the regime’s complicity in Russia’s war, stating that at least 287 state enterprises supply goods to the Russian army, and that Belarusian infrastructure is used to support production of Russian drones. Tsikhanouskaya warned of loopholes in sanctions, noting the re-export of banned goods and the sale of potash via Russian ports, which has helped stabilise the regime’s economy. Participants, including  Pavel Latushka and Tatsiana Khomich, discussed practical issues of concern to Belarusians. EU officials confirmed that simplified visa procedures would remain in place for Belarusians, unlike for Russian citizens, and that issuing multi-year visas could ease consular workloads. Efforts are underway to develop recommendations for improving legalisation processes in EU states, ensuring Belarusians can obtain necessary documents and live safely. Despite reductions in foreign aid, the EU has redirected resources to support repressed individuals and independent media, with 300 people recently receiving assistance and a “Needs Assessment” report to be completed by October. Over the past year, more than 1,000 students benefited from EU-funded scholarships, studies, and internships. The EU is also open to humanitarian exemptions from sanctions to reduce negative effects on civil society.

During the second day of her working visit to Brussels, the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, took part in the 2025 Brussels Forum, organised by the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Marking its 20^th edition, the Forum is a major platform for dialogue among political leaders, experts, and civil society representatives. This year’s theme, “Broken Partnership: How Can Transatlantic Cooperation Survive?”, focused on restoring trust and reinforcing ties between the U.S. and Europe amid global instability. Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech emphasising Belarus’s key role in Europe’s future security and called for stronger support for the country’s democratic forces. She stressed that “security, democracy, and prosperity are interconnected and cannot exist without one another,” warning that Belarus’s independence is under threat from Russia. She also highlighted the need for human connections, visa access, and practical assistance for Belarusians, noting: “Europe’s future is being decided now, and Belarus has been taken hostage.” She urged Europe and the free world to act, while noting that shifts in the war in Ukraine could quickly change Belarus’s situation — and the democratic forces must be ready to seize that opportunity.

In addition, Tsikhanouskaya gave an interview to Deutsche Welle, discussing her meeting with the EU advisory group and key political issues facing Belarus. She highlighted urgent topics such as visa liberalisation, political prisoners, and sanctions, urging the EU to issue long-term multiple-entry visas for Belarusians and to increase pressure on the regime to release over 1,200 political prisoners. Tsikhanouskaya stressed the importance of Belarus’s independent democratic future, free from Russia’s influence, and reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine, saying, “We are fighting one enemy together.” She emphasised that Belarus must be included in peace negotiations on the Ukraine conflict — but not represented by Lukashenka, whom she described as “Putin’s vassal.” On the issue of lustration, she explained that it is aimed at restoring trust in governance and preventing those involved in repression from holding public office, stressing that it is about justice, not revenge.

The European Commission has drafted its 18^th package of sanctions against Russia, which also includes new measures targeting Belarus, according to Radio Svaboda, citing informed sources in Brussels. Among the proposed measures is a full ban on operations with Belarusian banking institutions, expanding beyond the current SWIFT-related restrictions. The package reportedly names four Belarusian companies in the military-industrial sector, against which sanctions are planned. It also includes a proposed ban on arms imports from Belarus and an expansion of the list of restricted goods and technologies, such as certain chemicals, metals, and plastics, as well as potential transit restrictions through Belarus. The Commission has not yet officially presented the package, and its adoption will require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.

Meanwhile, on 12 June, the Council of the European Union approved new customs duties on fertilisers and remaining categories of agricultural products imported from Russia and Belarus. According to the Council’s press release, the measure is intended to reduce the EU’s dependence on these imports and to cut Moscow’s export revenues, which are being used to finance the war against Ukraine. The decision will take effect from 1 July 2025. A transitional period of three years has been established for fertilisers, during which the tariffs will be introduced gradually.

Transport ministers from 13 European countries have accused Belarus and Russia of deliberately interfering with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). The ministers, representing Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Slovakia, Finland, Slovenia, Czechia, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, and Romania, called on the European Commission to take coordinated action in response to the disruptions. Since 2022, two types of GNSS interference — jamming and spoofing — have been detected over the Baltic Sea, posing serious risks to civil aviation and maritime transport. Lithuanian Transport Minister Eugenius Sabutis stressed that these disruptions directly affect critical sectors like transport, energy, and telecommunications, urging swift and united EU measures. The ministers also called for increased pressure on the responsible parties, enhanced radio frequency monitoring, and better coordination between civilian and military authorities for joint oversight and data sharing.

The United States has extended the national emergency regime concerning Belarus for another year. The notification was signed by the U.S. President Donald Trump on 9 June. According to the document, the emergency measures will remain in effect from 16 June 2025, as “the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Belarus and other persons, as well as the harmful activities of the Belarusian regime and its ongoing abuses, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.” The national emergency with respect to Belarus was originally declared in 2006 and was expanded in 2021.

On 13 June, Aliaksandr Lukashenka met with Zhang Qingwei, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, to reaffirm Belarus’ commitment to deepening cooperation with China through the expansion of joint projects. Lukashenka emphasized that “the strong diplomatic and political ties between Belarus and China are underpinned by a solid economic foundation and genuine friendship between the two nations.” He noted that numerous joint initiatives are already in progress and expressed Belarus’ readiness to advance this collaboration further. On the same day, the High-Level Committee on Cooperation between the Legislative Bodies of Belarus and China held a meeting at the Council of the Republic, with Zhang Qingwei leading the Chinese delegation. Prior to the session, Zhang met with Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova in a closed-format discussion. He highlighted the positive outcomes of the Committee’s first meeting last year and welcomed the continuation of dialogue in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. Zhang also referenced the recent talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lukashenka in Beijing, during which Xi described China and Belarus as “true friends and reliable partners” built on mutual trust and broad cooperation. Zhang reaffirmed China’s readiness to work closely with the Belarusian National Assembly to promote comprehensive bilateral ties across all sectors.

A Belarusian government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Viktar Karankevich arrived in Lebanon on 10 June, marking their second visit to Beirut this year. The Belarusian government views Lebanon as a potential strategic gateway for expanding its exports across the Middle East. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as industry, agriculture, construction, and logistics infrastructure. According to the government’s press service, both sides share mutual interests and aim to deepen collaboration. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, an agreement was also reached to prepare a corresponding memorandum on the development of cooperation between the parliaments of Belarus and Lebanon.

On 10 June, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held talks in Moscow, during which the possibility of Belarus participating in a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine was discussed. Ryzhankou noted that they covered the full scope of bilateral cooperation and international matters “practically down to the smallest details,” including the Ukrainian crisis and “the prospects for a stable and just peace in Europe.” He expressed gratitude for Russia’s openness, saying, “We are thankful for the comprehensive updates on contacts with Ukraine, the U.S., and EU partners.” Additionally, Ryzhankou expressed his expectation that representatives from the West will take part in the Minsk Security Conference scheduled for this autumn. Lavrov, in turn, thanked Belarus for its support and willingness to assist in the peace process. “We appreciate our Belarusian friends’ understanding of the reasons behind and the course of the special military operation,” he said, acknowledging “Belarus’s readiness to provide mediation and territory for negotiations and humanitarian exchanges.” Also, it was announced that the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to visit Belarus on an official trip at the end of June. He will participate in the meeting of the EAEU’s Supreme Economic Council on 26-27 June, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou said during a meeting with MGIMO students in Moscow on 10 June. He highlighted Iran’s importance to Belarus as a logistics hub for delivering goods to India and Southeast Asia.

Ukraine has imposed 50-year sanctions on the head of the Belarusian Red Cross, Dmitry Shevtsov. The relevant decree was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The sanctions include asset freezes, bans on economic activity in Ukraine, and the cancellation of licenses and other permits. Shevtsov has repeatedly visited Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine and has admitted that his organisation is involved in the illegal removal of children from these areas.

The Belarusian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is reportedly planning a tour to Russian-occupied Crimea in August 2025, where the ballet Giselle is set to be performed four times in Sevastopol. According to Zerkalo, the tour will be led by Russian conductor Artyom Makarov, who became the theatre’s artistic director in May 2025. Internal resistance to the trip is significant, with many staff members, particularly in the orchestra, refusing to go; one source stated, “Most permanent staff are refusing to go, and management is recruiting musicians from elsewhere.” Reports suggest artists are being pressured to participate, with hints at career repercussions, and some sources allege they are being asked to sign waivers removing the theatre’s liability for their safety — though this has not been independently confirmed. Officially, the theatre has yet to announce the tour, and no information appears on its website or social media.

Thirteen political prisoners detained before the start of the 2020 mass protests have been behind bars for five years. Their sentences and treatment in custody attest to the scale of political persecution and the brutality of the system: prison regimes, repression behind bars, incommunicado detention, and numerous repeated criminal cases on charges of malicious disobedience to the demands of the correctional institution administration. Among these prisoners is Paval Sevyarynets, who was detained on 7 June 2020, two months before the start of the protests, when he was returning from an election picket by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. At first, he was sentenced to administrative arrest several times, then a criminal case against him was opened in August 2020. A year later, he was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment in a high-security colony for “preparing to participate in mass riots”. Sevyarynets was serving his sentence in the Shklou penal colony, but in June 2023, a trial was held to change his detention regime. He was transferred to prison regime for a period of three years.

On 9 June, the KGB updated the list of persons involved in “terrorist activities”. 15 people were added to it. Among them were volunteers of the Kalinouski regiment Vyachaslau Hranouski, Artsyom Bigel, Ihnat Kireeu, Yan Melnikau and Anastasia Makhamet, who were sentenced in absentia to 12-20 years of imprisonment in April.

On 13 June, the Ministry of Internal Affairs added 20 more people, including nine women, to the list of “persons involved in extremist activities”. Currently, there are 5,407 positions in the document posted on the website of the Ministry.

On 10 June, Belarusian activists abroad began receiving messages on Facebook with offers of cooperation from, presumably, a KGB officer. Human rights activists are aware of at least five such cases. All messages were written from one account, belonging to “Maria Pulkovskaya”. Some activists were promised the safety of their relatives in Belarus in exchange for cooperation with the Belarusian security services. “Viasna” Human Rights Centre talked to one of the activists to whom the KGB officer wrote. In her opinion, the officer contacted public figures who were active in political or near-political structures. “He immediately addressed people by their full name and patronymic, while not everyone has this information on social networks. He said his goal was to get opinions about opposition structures and certain events. He wrote about some kind of compromise, cooperation, and attempted to establish mutually beneficial communications”, she said.

Political prisoner Viktoryia Kulsha was sentenced to another year of imprisonment on charge of malicious disobedience to the demands of the correctional institution administration. This was the fourth extension of her prison term. Kulsha was detained on 4 November 2020. She was sentenced to two and a half years of imprisonment. Taking into account three previous additional sentences for malicious disobedience to the requirements of the administration, she was supposed to be released on 6 April 2025. She was not released as a new case was initiated against her.

The first trials in the case of the monitoring project Belarusian Hajun will begin in the near future, according to “Viasna” Human Rights Centre. Human rights activists are aware of at least 20 defendants in such cases. They are in custody and are charged with “facilitating extremist activities”. The detentions have been going on for several months. In early February, the security forces gained access to a monitoring chatbot of Belarusian Hajun. After that, the project was terminated.

On 11 June, a search took place in the apartment of Ihar Barysau, the head of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada) liquidated by the authorities, in Minsk. According to the Belarusian Social Democratic Party, the security forces entered the apartment in the presence of witnesses and carried out “operative actions”. The reason for the visit was the criminal case against Ihar Barysau. It is not known what charges he faces, but on 7 May, the party was recognised as an “extremist formation”. The list of persons involved in the organisation’s activities included the head of the party, Ihar Barysau, his deputy, Hanna Kanyus, and a member of the presidium, Ihar Maslouski.

On 12 June, the Minsk City Court announced the sentences of three people who were accused of solidarity with political prisoners. In the autumn of 2024, the authorities launched raids against relatives of political prisoners. People were widely summoned for interrogations, imprisoned for 15 days and fined for allegedly receiving financial and food assistance. In total, at least 51 people were subjected to repression. In December, a propaganda video appeared in pro-government media accusing them of collaborating with charitable foundations. Because of these events, three trials commenced in the summer and autumn of 2024, as a result of which Lyubou Drahel was sentenced to three years of imprisonment, Aliaksandr Yakushkau was sentenced to two years of imprisonment, and Yauhen Boyka was sentenced to five years of imprisonment.

The Pardon Commission reviews about 500 cases per year. This year, 50% of the petitions were granted. This was announced by Deputy Head of the Lukashenka Administration Volha Chuprys. She noted that the proportion of granted petitions is growing. “Before 2023, the President made such decisions on no more than 10-10.5% of total number of petitions. Last year, this figure reached 65%, and this year (in five months), 50% of petitions were granted. That is, almost every second of those who applied to the President for clemency was pardoned,” she added.

The Council of Ministers has approved amendments to two resolutions related to the lists of “extremists” and “terrorists”. The changes were officially published on 13 June. The main novelties will take effect in three months. In the regulation on the procedure for determining the list of organisations and individuals, involved in terrorist activities, the word “extremist” was excluded from the term “terrorist (extremist) organisations”. Among other things, the set of articles of the Criminal Code, which are the basis for including an individual in the list, was amended. Article 123 (propaganda of war), as well as article 369-2 (illegal receipt and (or) use of foreign gratuitous aid), if such aid was received for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities, were added. The grounds for inclusion in the list of “extremists” will now consist of not only the articles listed in Article 1 of the law “On Countering Extremism”, but also the articles listed in the resolution of the Council of Ministers. These articles are as follows: 123-129, 130-130-2, 131, 134, para. 14 of part 2 art. 139, para. 8 of part 2 art.147, art. 191, 287, 289-293, part 4 art. 294, part 4 art. 295, part 4 art. 309, part 3 art. 311, part 3 art. 322, part 3 art. 323, art. 324, part 3 art. 333, art. 341-1, 342, 342-2, 357, 359-361-2, 361-4, 361-5, 369-1, 369-2, 369-3, 423-1 of the Criminal Code. The list of grounds also includes “other articles of the Special Part of the Criminal Code in cases a commission of crime was motivated by racial, national, religious hostility or discord, political or ideological hostility, as well as hostility or discord against a particular social group.”

A few weeks after the administrative arrest, a 66-year-old woman with cancer died, “Viasna” Human Rights Centre reported. She was detained on her return to Belarus at the beginning of the year for posting “likes” on social networks. She was placed in the Brest temporary detention facility for three days before the trial. She then was found guilty of “spreading extremist materials” and sentenced to a fine of 20 basic units (about 225 Euro). It is known that a woman fell ill with pneumonia in the temporary detention facility. After her release, she went home, where she initially struggled with the disease on her own. A week later, she was taken to the hospital. Since she had cancer, her immune system was weakened and could not cope with the disease. Almost a month later, the woman died. Over the past few weeks, information about the deaths of four former political prisoners, Aliaksandr Klaskouski, Valery Bohdan, Tamara Karavai and Hanna Kandratsenka, appeared. Human rights activists attribute the deaths of former political prisoners, among other things, to inhuman conditions of detention in colonies, denial of medical care, dietary restrictions, and heavy labour.

On June 11, the Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights ceremony took place in Oslo. This year it was awarded to Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chair of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions and member of the Administrative Council of the International Labor Organisation. He was arrested in April 2022 and sentenced to four years of imprisonment on charges of actively participating in actions grossly violating public order, seizing state power, forcibly changing the constitutional order, and other actions aimed at harming the national security of Belarus. The award was accepted by Aliaksandr Yarashuk’s son Yuri. “The Arthur Svensson Prize is not just an award, it is a reminder that the struggle for workers’ rights is necessary and possible, and there are real people behind it. One of them is my father. And this Prize is not only a recognition of what he has done. It is also a symbol of hope for all who fight for justice,” he said in his speech during the ceremony. The Arthur Svensson International Prize is awarded annually by the Norwegian Styrke trade union. Its size is 500 thousand Norwegian crowns (47,000 USD). This is the second time that representatives of Belarus have received the award. In 2021, the prize was awarded to the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions and its member organisations.

On 9 June, the pro-government Belarusian Union of Journalists expressed solidarity with colleagues who are “fulfilling their professional duty in the United States while risking their lives and health due to the erratic behaviour of law enforcement and rioters.” The Union stated it would only be ready to “continue the dialogue on human rights in the media sector” (i.e. on the protection of media workers’ rights in Belarus) once “the U.S. authorities fulfil all their obligations to protect both domestic and foreign journalists.” The regime-controlled body ignored the persecution of journalists by Belarusian security forces and remained silent about the fate of media workers imprisoned under Lukashenka. Some Belarusian propagandists could not conceal their satisfaction at the crisis unfolding in the US, going so far as to predict an impending civil war. For example, Ryhor Azaronak, in his article “The Fall of the Empire” for Minskaya Prauda, urged Donald Trump to come to Belarus and “listen” to Lukashenka, since the latter had already “steamrolled more than one uprising.” Azaronak even suggested that Trump should “buy himself a BELAZ” and “drive it over the rebels.” His colleague Yury Uvarau, however, argued that the “harsh suppression of protests” by the current U.S. president laid the groundwork for the eventual disintegration of the country. He predicted that the U.S. would cease to exist by 2030, naming California as the first to declare independence. “The Californian People’s Republic — not a bad ring to it, would not you agree?” he quipped. MP Vadzim Hihin, writing in SB. Belarus Today, noted that the U.S. president was acting decisively, but such actions had already led to “some elements of civil war being discernible in the country.” “The ‘colour revolution’, having toured the world, is now returning to the homeland of its architects,” he concluded.

During a visit to Belarusfilm studios on 10 June, Aliaksandr Lukashenka described the situation at the studio and in the wider film industry as utterly unsatisfactory. He warned that the studio should not expect any additional state funding and stressed the link between ideology and cinema: “If you create a good product, there is no stinginess with money — especially for quality films. Because good cinema is in short supply. A dire shortage in our society. And without it, we are nowhere. No ideology can exist without cinema.” The politician also bemoaned the difficult geopolitical situation in the region, again referring to Belarus as a “scrap of land” and criticised Finland for joining NATO. He rhetorically asked what more the Baltic States — Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia — could have wanted, noting that in Soviet times they had been “high-tech republics” but now “spit in the direction of Belarus.” “I will not even talk about Poland. You know. Further down — war in Ukraine. Even further — the Caucasus, where it has not ended. Why do I say this? Because here we are, this little island [Belarus]. Do you think they will let us live in peace? No, this takes colossal effort. Primarily from the president, if you will pardon the immodesty,” Lukashenka lamented. He then referred negatively to the protests of 2020, though his speech was incoherent and devoid of factual references. According to his account, Belarusians — including cultural workers — “staged provocations,” “ran out into the streets in short skirts,” and there were “rapes everywhere.” He repeated the claim that the events of 2020 revealed “who was who” and that if his supporters had not held firm, they would have either “been gone long ago” or Belarus would have become “like Ukraine.” Notably, when Azaronak described this same visit in glowing terms in one of the state-affiliated media outlets, he promised the intelligentsia “cultural purges,” punishments for “betrayal,” and a “whip across the spine” for even “a single thought of treason.”

On 10 June, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss “Belarus’s possible role in achieving a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine,” “resolving the Ukrainian crisis,” and “establishing a lasting and just peace in Europe as well as constructing a new pan-European security architecture.” During his visit to Moscow, the minister also spoke with students at MGIMO, saying it was vital for Belarusians that the “conflict in Ukraine” ends “sooner rather than later.” In his view, Belarusians feel no closer kinship with any other peoples than with Russians and Ukrainians. “So, we understand the nature of these things better than anyone. We understand that what is happening in Ukraine is anti-Slavic, anti-Orthodox to some extent, and generally anti-mental, considering the ‘blueprint’ behind it all — which comes from the collective West,” Ryzhankou claimed. He further told students that in his conversations with Western diplomats, he always defended Russia: “When I meet with our partners from the West, I say: lads, stop with the nonsense. Nobody is planning to go further anywhere. There is a task at hand that must be solved, and the sooner you agree that Russia is right… There was no desire to go further — none, and never will be. It is simply not in Russia’s nature, nor in that of its leadership or people.” He added that Western elites were using the excuse that Russia is the aggressor — and Belarus a co-aggressor — to militarise their own countries at the taxpayers’ expense.

On 12 June, Lukashenka sent a congratulatory message to Vladimir Putin for the Russia Day, describing the Russian Federation as a leader in the movement for a new world order: “On the international stage, your country firmly defends its national interests and leads the movement towards a new, non-discriminatory world order and respect for national sovereignty.”

That same day, during a meeting with the leadership of his administration, the Belarusian dictator expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s ideological efforts despite the recent adoption of an official ideology directive. According to him, there remains a pressing need for a “national idea that could capture hearts, minds, and souls.” Lukashenka insisted he had “forcefully introduced” the concept of ideology when “everyone else was still shying away from the term,” and now “everyone is talking about it — even the Americans.” “God willing, we will finally explain to the people not only what ideology is, but, as we often say, we must develop a national idea. A national idea that captures the heart, the soul, the mind. Maybe it already exists. Some say it is patriotism, or something else… but I do not feel it. If we manage to create it — and that should be a major goal — that will be the pinnacle,” he said.

On 13 June, regime officials responded cautiously to Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all parties to “exercise restraint, act responsibly, and avoid steps that could undermine the international community’s political and diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive resolution in the Middle East.” Meanwhile, pro-regime propagandists took a more aggressive tone — targeting not only Israel’s government, but also the Trump administration. Pro-Russian expert Aliaksandr Shpakouski advised readers to treat U.S. denials of involvement as “nothing more than information noise.” He warned that the threat of a “major war” in the Middle East had significantly increased. In his view, even with U.S. security guarantees, Israel might not be safe “if Iran is pushed to the brink.” His colleague Aliaksei Dzermant was even harsher in his assessment: “Trump wages war with other people’s hands — in this case, Israel’s. The attack on Iran is pure bestial imperialism, which cannot be justified.” Military commentator Aliaksandr Tsishchanka, writing for SB. Belarus Today, went so far as to accuse the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating an “oil conspiracy”: “Israel struck Iran, and the U.S. pretended to have nothing to do with it — but threatened to ‘intervene’ if Tehran responded. That is where the stars-and-stripes ears poke through. The peace-loving Trump is using this war to block a defiant cartel, create an artificial shortage, and hike the price of his own oil and gas, which Europe has been forced to switch to. OPEC is caught in a military trap, Russia is under sanctions and burdened by the war in Ukraine, and meanwhile Trump talks of 500% tariffs. There you have it — oil monopoly. A market without competitors. A Republican’s dream.”

Note from the editors: We do not provide links to publications in official and propagandistic sources belonging to the Lukashenka regime or affiliated with the regime. If you are interested in obtaining such a link for research or investigation purposes, please contact us at info@isans.org