Belarus is betting on trade with Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia. This has become a new stage in the country's economic strategy, which is trying to support enterprises through cooperation with Venezuela, Syria, North Korea, and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Aliaksandr Lukashenka claims that Belarus has nothing to do with drones violating the airspace of Poland and Lithuania.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned Lukashenka's meeting with a representative of the Russian occupation administration of Kherson Oblast, calling it a blatant disregard for Ukraine's sovereignty. The Ministry emphasized the illegality of such actions and threatened to strengthen sanctions against the Belarusian regime.
American military personnel observed joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, which began amid escalating tensions with NATO. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin invited them to see "everything that interests them," which became another sign of warming relations between Washington and Belarus.
The US plans to return its embassy to Minsk to restore diplomatic presence and develop economic relations with Belarus. Special Representative John Cole noted that the timing of the embassy's return is being discussed.
Poland will close its border with Belarus, including railway crossings, due to aggressive Russian-Belarusian exercises "Zapad-2025". This decision was made for national security reasons, amid growing tensions and hybrid warfare.
