Latest news in Belarus? September 17th, 2026
17-09-2026
The top news developments regarding Belarus include:
Military Exercises Near the Suwałki Corridor: Belarusian forces are conducting four-day military exercises (running September 15–18) near the borders of Poland and Lithuania. The drills, involving units of the Western Operational Command, focus on border security, repelling drone threats, and countering sabotage groups at the Hozha training ground near Lithuania, as well as the Brest and Ruzhany facilities.
RBC-Ukraine+ 1Release of 25 Political Prisoners: Following direct talks in Minsk between Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. Special Envoy John Coale, Belarus released 25 political prisoners. In exchange, the United States agreed to lift sanctions on two Belarusian state companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom. Those released include media figures Lyudmila Chekina (former director of TUT.BY), Andrei Alexandrov, Dmitry Novozhilov (BelaPAN), and cultural organizer Pavel Belous.
Європейська правда+ 2National Unity Day Observance: State-sponsored events, rallies, and commemorative programs are taking place across the country to mark National Unity Day. The annual public holiday commemorates the September 17, 1939 Soviet campaign that incorporated Western Belarus into the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.
rossony.vitebsk-region.gov.by+ 1