Ukraine war deals ‘massive blow’ to nature as Belarus’s largest wildlife NGO shut down

There are 21 species of raptor in Belarus including the white-tailed eagle (pictured). Photograph: Vasily Fedosenko/REUTERS

One of the oldest and largest wildlife NGOs in Belarus is being forced to shut down after accusations of “extremist activities”, as conservationists warn of “darkness” engulfing a region known for its rich natural heritage.

Former employees of BirdLife Belarus (APB) were arrested and one has been in jail for six months under suspicion of attempting to destabilise the political situation in the country under the guise of protecting birds. The organisation has been ordered by a court to close next month after 24 years of work.