Belarus

Belarus's Lukashenka Appoints New PM

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has appointed a new prime minister and bank chief in the country's biggest government reshuffle since 2010.

Sports & Dictators: In 2014, A Match Made In Heaven

Many people turn to sports as a welcome break from politics. But from the Olympics to Formula 1, the year 2014 revealed a growing connection between big-ticket sporting events and ugly political regimes.

Bishkek Signs Eurasian Union Deal

Kyrgyzstan has signed an accession agreement to join the Russian-led Eurasia Economic Union (EEU), which comes into effect on January 1.

Belarusian News Websites Blocked

Several independent news websites have been blocked in Belarus, where the government exerts close control of the news media.

Belarusian, Kazakh Leaders To Visit Kyiv

The presidents of Belarus and Kazakhstan will visit Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko early next week.

U.S. Calls On Belarus To Release Political Prisoners

The United States is calling on Belarus to release all of its “political prisoners” ahead of the fourth anniversary of a crackdown that resulted in the jailing of hundreds of opposition activists.

Russia's Neighbors Scramble To Cope With Ruble's Tribulations

As the value of the Russian ruble declines, citizens of neighboring former Soviet countries are finding out how deeply entwined their economies remain. Countries dependent on trade with Russia or remittances from citizens working in the giant neighbor are bracing for hard times.

Belarus To Trade With Russia In Euros, Dollars Only

Belarus Activist Released

An activist of the unregistered opposition Young Front organization in Belarus, Eduard Lobau, was released on December 18 after four years in prison.

Activist Vows Belarusians Will See Film On 'Disappeared' Lukashenka Critics

A Belarusian rights activists says her compatriots will be able to view her new documentary about critics of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka who disappeared 15 years ago.

Belarus Law May Hit Online Media

Lawmakers in Belarus have passed legislation allowing the state to close any Internet news site that receives two warnings about content in a single year.