The Latest Breaking News from Belarus

The manoeuvres come two days after the unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by Russian attack drones

In the years since Russia invaded Ukraine, NATO has focused on defending its own territory first and resisted lower-level harassment from Russia, like acts of sabotage and intimidation

Russia and its key ally Belarus are to start major joint military drills on Friday, putting NATO on edge days after Poland accused Moscow of escalating tensions by firing attack drones through its airspace.

The bill would label Russia and Belarus state sponsors of terrorism.

Belarus on Thursday freed 52 political prisoners, including an EU staff member, journalists, and dissidents -- a release mediated by the United States as Minsk seeks closer ties with President Donald Trump.

Move seen as effort to win US favour and sanctions relief, as crackdown on dissent continues

Russia and Belarus are set to stage a massive military exercise in mid-September and with the war in Ukraine still raging, the move has raised concern across Europe. Germany has issued military warnings, while France is quietly preparing its hospitals for the possibility of a wider conflict.

Belarus has freed 52 political prisoners, as the United States announced it was lifting sanctions on the isolated country’s national airline

Belarus released 52 prisoners, including 14 foreigners, who crossed into Lithuania. Lithuanian President Nausėda thanked Trump for his support.