Latest news in Belarus? September 18th, 2026

The latest developments in Belarus include the following key events:

• Release of Political Prisoners: Following talks in Minsk between Alexander Lukashenko and John Coale, a special envoy of the US administration, 25 political prisonersincluding prominent journalists, media managers, and public figures like Liudmila Chekina and Pavel Belavuswere released and deported to Lithuania. The release was part of an agreement involving the lifting of US sanctions on two Belarusian companies, Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom. The European Union and international bodies have welcomed the step while emphasizing that hundreds of political prisoners remain detained.

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• OSCE Joint Statement: The UK and 37 other OSCE member countries issued a joint statement addressing the human rights situation in Belarus. They reiterated demands for the unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners, citing ongoing concerns regarding arbitrary detentions, systemic repression, and the misuse of anti-extremism legislation.

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• Military Exercises Near the Suwalki Corridor: The Belarusian Western Operational Command conducted command-and-staff military exercises involving mechanized and tank units near the borders with Poland and Lithuania. The drills focused on border security, counter-drone tactics, and territorial defense maneuvers, though military leadership stressed that no offensive actions against neighboring countries were being considered.

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