Minsk

Lukashenko's sudden visit to Beijing following closed-door talks with Putin indicates an attempt to seek Chinese support amid growing pressure over Belarus' involvement in Russia's war. The article notes that Minsk continues to serve as a platform for aggression, with potential provocations such as drones, border pressure, and sabotage possibly challenging Western resolve.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Belarus has stopped using retransmitters Russia used to guide Shahed drones into Ukraine. The systems ceased operating on Belarusian territory days after Zelensky issued an ultimatum to Alexander Lukashenko to remove them, with no response from Minsk.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Belarus of consequences if it does not address Russia's use of drone equipment within a week. Zelenskyy threatened to remove relay stations in Belarus used by Russia.

Ukraine is strengthening its northern border with new drone units as the commander-in-chief warns of potential provocations from Minsk. Threats from Belarus and Russia remain a concern despite a decline in sabotage activity.

The Baltic states are seeking de-escalation mechanisms through Belarus amid growing risks of spillover from the Ukraine war. Belarus (Minsk) is seen as a potential mediator to reduce tensions in the region.