The leaders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have stated the need for a joint decision on dismantling railway connections with Russia and Belarus. The presidents of the Baltic countries discussed this issue and handed it over to the ministers for further consideration.
The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags and anthems starting from January 1, 2026. This decision applies to all age categories after the Executive Committee meetings in October and December 2025.
Kateryna Rashevska, a representative of the NGO "Regional Center for Human Rights," stated that there are 165 "re-education" camps for Ukrainian children in the occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as in Russia, Belarus, and North Korea.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that the Russian Federation immediately return all illegally deported Ukrainian children. The document was supported by 91 countries, 57 abstained, and 12 opposed it.
The Munich prosecutor's office is investigating a case involving businessmen who illegally sold 50 luxury cars to Russia for over 10 million euros. These cars, including an armored Mercedes, may have been intended for the Russian elite.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport allowed Russian and Belarusian skiers to compete at the 2026 Olympics in neutral status. This decision overturned the ban by the International Ski Federation.
Russian citizen Mykhailo Myrhorodskyi created a criminal group for espionage and sabotage, which planned to derail a train. The prosecutor's office has brought five charges against him, and an international search warrant has been issued.
Fighters of the Active Actions Department of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine used drones to attack Russian radars and air defense system launchers in Donbas. A 9A83 launcher from the S-300V air defense system and two 1L125 Niobium-SV radar stations were destroyed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of new EU sanctions against Belarus. This is a response to hybrid actions against Lithuania, including an increase in the number of incursions by contraband balloons.
Vilnius noted that this is not the first time the Belarusian regime has fabricated stories and leveled accusations against Lithuania.
On November 20 and 28, explosions occurred at critical facilities of the Russian railway, destroying fuel and lubricant depots and damaging the railway track. This made it impossible for freight trains to move, including for the logistical support of the Russian occupation army.
Belarusian self-proclaimed president Lukashenka visited Myanmar, strengthening the junta's legitimacy ahead of controversial elections. He became only the second world leader to visit the country since the establishment of military rule in 2021.
The IJF Executive Committee voted to restore full national representation for Russian athletes. They will be eligible to compete under their national flag, with anthem and symbols, starting from the Grand Slam tournament in Abu Dhabi in 2025.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is negotiating with Minsk on the possible release of over 100 political prisoners. The US is considering easing sanctions on Belarus' potash industry in exchange for a deal.
Poland will receive 44 billion euros from SAFE funds to strengthen its army, drone systems, and security infrastructure on the EU's eastern border. The funding will also go towards space initiatives, AI-powered defense technologies, and the SAFE Baltic program.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski predicts an increase in Russian sabotage activities after the explosion on the railway route to Ukraine.
The Kyiv Court of Appeal changed the pre-trial detention measure for doctor Maryna Bielotserkovska, a defendant in the case of the death of Odesa businessman Adnan Kivan, from round-the-clock to night-time house arrest. This decision caused public outrage. And new testimonies from victims of treatment at the clinic indicate systemic problems at "Odrex".
On November 23-24, Vilnius Airport twice imposed temporary airspace restrictions due to the appearance of navigation markers resembling balloon signals. This caused disruptions to airport operations and potential flight delays.
Ukraine returned 31 civilians from Belarus as a result of negotiations. Among them are women and men aged 18 to 58, some with serious illnesses.
On November 20, Vilnius Airport temporarily restricted its airspace due to a suspected balloon flyover, causing delays for over 1,100 passengers and about ten flights. The airport fully resumed operations around 7:55 PM local time.
Belarus acknowledges a deficit in foreign exchange reserves to cover debt payments in 2026, with only $5. 3 billion available for operational payments out of $13.7 billion on paper. The Ministry of Finance plans to attract additional resources from Russia to cover the deficit.
Poland has sent a note to Belarus requesting the extradition of two Ukrainian citizens accused of sabotaging railways on behalf of Russia. These acts of terrorism are linked to incidents in the Mika and Golomb areas, where railway tracks were damaged.
Poland is launching a pilot defense program wReady for civilians, which will last until December 14. It is designed to increase readiness for crisis situations amid threats from Russia.
Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has announced his intention to step down in January. His departure means the loss of one of the few consistent supporters of Ukraine in the current Trump administration.
Lithuania is reopening two border crossings with Belarus that were temporarily closed due to smuggler weather balloon flights. The government's decision comes after a reduction in airspace incidents, which previously led to the closure of Vilnius Airport.
Poland is preparing a response to the railway explosion, which it considers an act of state terrorism. Foreign Minister Sikorski stated that a response would be provided in the coming days.
Poland opened border crossings with Belarus in Kuźnica and Bobrowniki on November 17. The Kuźnica checkpoint had been closed for four years due to the migration crisis, and Bobrowniki for almost three years in response to the verdict against Andrzej Poczobut.
On November 17, Poland will reopen two border crossings with Belarus: Bobrowniki-Berestovitsa and Kuźnica Białostocka-Bruzgi. This decision will support residents and businesses, particularly carriers, by allowing passenger traffic and limited truck movement.
Ukrainian sports institutions have called on World Aquatics to reconsider the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to team competitions starting in 2026. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the NOC of Ukraine, and the Swimming Federation emphasized that this contradicts the IOC's 2023 recommendations.
Latvia and Estonia are ready to show solidarity with Vilnius over Belarusian contraband balloons, said Lithuanian Prime Minister Ruginiene. Poland has already joined Lithuania, refusing to open its borders with Belarus.
