The Latest Breaking News from Belarus

IN FULL

Poland closed all border crossings with Belarus as the joint Russia-Belarus military exercises Zapad-2025 begin at NATO’s doorstep. Moscow and Minks claim the drills simulate repelling an attack against Russia and Belarus. But Zapad-2021 masked Russia’s preparations for its invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks as Donald Trump warns he may be losing patience with Putin.

Trump’s latest statement comes after US called Russia’s Polish airspace violations ‘alarming’

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.