Belarus | Axios Times

Russia Downs 660 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Rejects Claims It Is Pressuring Belarus to Join War

Russia's Defense Ministry says its air defenses shot down 660 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of Kyiv's largest long-range strikes of the war, targeting multiple regions including Moscow and Crimea. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed Ukrainian President Zelensky's claims that Russia is pressuring Belarus to join the conflict, as Belarusian leader Lukashenko warns against attempts to drag his country into war.

Jun 26, 2026

World

Baltic States Need De-escalation Mechanism; Belarus Could Act as Mediator

Amid rising military tensions from the Ukraine conflict, the Baltic states face repeated drone airspace violations. Analysts argue a sub-regional military de-escalation mechanism, with Belarus as a potential intermediary, is urgently needed to prevent miscalculation and direct NATO-Russia confrontation.

May 27, 2026

World

Russia Deploys More Nuclear Weapons to Belarus: Provocation or Pressure Tactic?

Belarus joined Russia's nuclear drills for the first time on May 19-21 as tensions with Ukraine and the West escalate. Analysts call the move a risky gamble by Minsk to cement its alliance with Moscow while opening dialogue with Kyiv.

May 22, 2026

World

Belarus and Russia Begin Joint Nuclear Drills, Kyiv Reacts Strongly

Belarus and Russia have launched joint nuclear drills, prompting a strong reaction from Ukraine. Kyiv called for tighter Western sanctions against both Moscow and Minsk.

May 18, 2026

World

Belarus Ready to Expand Cultural Cooperation with Iran

Belarus’s culture minister has reaffirmed the country’s readiness to deepen bilateral cultural ties, emphasizing the potential for artistic and educational exchanges with Iran. Both sides agreed to jointly organize cultural events and exchange programs. The move is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

May 9, 2026

Sports

IOC Calls for Lifting Restrictions on Belarusian Athletes

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommends allowing Belarusian athletes to compete under their full national identity without a vetting process for neutral status, though restrictions on Russia remain due to WADA investigations and the ongoing suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.

May 7, 2026

World

Ukraine Warns Belarus Against Joining Russian Aggression

Ukraine warned Belarus against participation in Russia's invasion, with President Zelenskyy reporting suspicious military activity and vowing to respond. As Russian drone and missile attacks continued across Ukraine, Zelenskyy described a 'brutal attack' on Kherson and reported strikes in multiple regions.

May 2, 2026

Sports

World Boxing Allows Russian, Belarusian Boxers to Compete as Neutrals

World Boxing has announced that Russian and Belarusian boxers can compete internationally as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) with immediate effect, following the approval of their federations' membership applications. The policy bans national symbols and mandates a vetting process, aligning with IOC guidelines.

Apr 29, 2026