telephone interview from Minsk.... “ The severe violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms

, accused Minsk of a" planned operation" after its director Vitali Shishov was found dead in Kyiv on

They were deported back to Iraq on Oct.... A handful said they were trying to enter the EU to reunite with friends or relatives. They saw a chance to get to Europe via land-less risky than by sea, especially when travelling with young children.... As 2021 went on, they read on social media that visas were becoming readily available....

prison terms, the latest move in the authorities’ relentless crackdown on dissent in the wake of last

Belarus authoritarian leader on Monday charged that the opposition was plotting a coup in the runup to last year's presidential election that triggered a monthslong wave of mass protests demanding his resignation.... In his opening remarks, Lukashenko defended the election and accused the opposition of preparing a coup.... “ We back then carried out preparation for the election and the election itself in the conditions of total transparency and democratization of political life, ” Lukashenko s

shootout in Minsk last month....

The fact that talks have been held and two documents have been signed in Minsk is a positive sign

Given the reluctance of both Kiev and Donetsk to talk directly to each other, it is not clear at this point how far the implementation of the agreement can proceed. But for now the external pressure works.

The Minsk agreement signed on February 12 stipulates a number of measures to promote peaceful

" These contacts are already showing fruit," a Commission spokesperson said.... Brussels and Minsk