Eastern Europe

Belarus bluff? Putin’s only ally sparks fears of possible new Kyiv offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Intensifying military activity in southern Belarus is fueling speculation over a possible renewed Russian assault on Kyiv but the true objective may be to tie down Ukrainian troops and prevent redeployment to eastern Ukraine.

Lukashenka plays chief enabler as Putin threatens to expand Ukraine war

By Brian Whitmore

Alyaksandr Lukashenka has publicly sought to distance himself from the Russian invasion of Ukraine but the Belarusian dictator is now once again becoming deeply involved as Vladimir Putin threatens to escalate the war.

Russian War Report: Signs of renewed Belarusian troop movements towards Ukrainian border

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Belarusian troops seem to be on the move again toward their border with Ukraine while the Kremlin spreads claims of killed NATO officers and blames the West for global food shortages.

Putin’s Black Sea blackmail sets stage for Belarus “deal with the devil”

By Brian Whitmore

Western leaders are desperate to resolve a global food crisis sparked by Russia's Black Sea blockade of Ukrainian grain exports but sending shipments via Belarus would mean rewarding Putin's only ally Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

From White Russia to Belarus: Norway snubs Kremlin with name change

By Peter Dickinson

Norway has announced that it will now use the name “Belarus” instead of “Hviterussland” (literally “White Russia”) in a move reflecting growing awareness that Belarus should not be viewed through a Russian lens.

Putin deploys nuclear-capable missiles to Belarusian border with Ukraine

By Brian Whitmore

Alyaksandr Lukashenka warned the West this week that it was risking World War III by continuing to arm Ukraine, even as he allowed Russia to deploy nuclear-capable missiles on Belarusian territory near the Ukrainian border.

AC Selects: ACFrontPage Highlights: Kosovo and Ukraine talk Russia

Week of May 20, 2022 Last week, the Eurasia and Europe Center each hosted an #ACFrontPage event featuring Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak. The conversations examined Kosovo’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, and how the US and Europe could […]