AGP Executive Report

Belarusian Culture & Identity: The Belarusian Cultural Embassy’s “Sense of Safety. Art in a Time of War” book catalogue was presented in Berlin, spotlighting an antiwar art project from Kharkiv where a basement gallery doubled as a bomb shelter and built “Bridges of Solidarity” across countries. Education & Youth: Belarus released results of the May 26 centralised testing in specialised subjects: 9,411 applicants, with 129 scoring 100; reserve days are set for June 18, 20 and 22. Sports & Pride: Aryna Sabalenka made TIME100 Sports’ inaugural list, adding global spotlight to the Belarusian tennis star’s dominance and activism around prize money. Civic Space in Exile: In Białystok, the Novaja Ziamlia hub says it may have to leave its premises if it can’t cover rent by end of June; it runs language, culture, lectures, youth activities and support for political prisoners. Human Rights: Viasna reports at least 17 foreign political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus, while the “EHU case” continues with searches tied to tuition payments since 2016. Online Safety: Belarus’ Investigative Committee warns of increased monitoring of Threads and TikTok, focusing on misinformation, incitement, false danger reports and Nazism rehabilitation.

Belarus Human Rights: At least 17 foreign political prisoners remain behind bars in Belarus, with Viasna reporting 111 foreign citizens have faced political prosecution since 2020. Belarus Culture & Language: A new project, Sonora, is building a foundation to save Belarusian from “digital oblivion,” asking whether AI can speak the language. Belarus Society & Health: Children in Barysau were hospitalized after a mass poisoning incident, with the health ministry reporting on their condition and discharge updates. Belarus-Region Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Belarus held talks in Minsk focused on trade, logistics, and expanding education and culture cooperation. Belarus-Poland Church Tensions: Belarus expels Polish priests as pressure on the Catholic Church intensifies. Sports Spotlight: Aryna Sabalenka makes TIME100 Sports’ inaugural list, adding to her off-court influence. Culture in the Wider Region: Kyiv premiered an opera about children abducted by Russia, turning a painful real-life story into public art. International Context: A Belarus-related documentary, “Politzek,” explores why Russians defy the Kremlin despite repression.

Belarus–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: In Minsk, Uzbekistan and Belarus focused on turning summit agreements into real results, with trade, transport logistics, and expanded education/culture cooperation on the agenda. NHS Workplace Culture: A Belarusian doctor in the UK lost an unfair dismissal case after admitting she struggled with “small talk” and couldn’t understand the British fascination with the weather—raising questions about communication expectations at work. Human Trafficking Watch: The Council of Europe’s GRETA report on Armenia praises steps to improve victim identification and assistance, but urges stronger prevention of labour exploitation and better legal support and compensation. Sports Governance: World Athletics says it will decide in July on whether Russian youth athletes can take part in the 2026 Youth Summer Olympics in Senegal. Belarusian Context: A Belarus-related nuclear drill with Russia has renewed European debate over what Minsk signals and how far ties are deepening. Culture & Memory: Belarusian Catholic clergy pressure continues as foreign priests face residency permit refusals amid intensifying state control over religion. Belarus–China Local Links: Brest officials highlight Chinese tech, logistics cooperation, and growing Chinese-language demand via the Confucius Institute.

Belarus–Catholic Church Pressure: Belarus has expelled several foreign Catholic priests by refusing to renew residency permits, tightening control over clergy and raising fresh concerns about religious freedom. Belarusian Culture & Art: A new book on contemporary Belarusian art from the past decade is set to be published, alongside a photo album spotlighting Anatol Kliashchuk’s “sacred lakes.” Language & Education: A project aims to keep Belarusian alive online by building a foundation for the language in digital spaces. Public Health Watch: Belarus investigators opened a criminal case after a child poisoning incident in Barysau, with products seized and sanitary rules blamed. International Human Rights: The EHU in Vilnius expanded support for students and families after being labeled “extremist,” while Belarus-related prisoner-release talks reportedly stalled. Regional Cooperation: Belarus and Ghana signed MoUs to deepen trade and agriculture, including a deal for Belarusian agricultural machinery. Culture in Ukraine (regional impact): Kyiv premiered excerpts of an opera about Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, drawing families from affected regions.

Belarus–Catholic Church Pressure: Belarus has expelled several Polish Catholic priests after residency permit refusals, as authorities tighten control over foreign clergy and the state-linked religious approval system. Minsk Region Health Scare: Belarus’ Investigative Committee detained a suspect in the Barysau children’s poisoning case, saying dairy production violations of sanitary rules caused the illness and that products were seized. Contemporary Belarusian Culture: Open Muzej is preparing a book mapping Belarusian art from 2015–2025, using an online lab for critics and curators; meanwhile, a new photo album by Anatol Kliashchuk spotlights Belarus’s “sacred lakes.” Education & Access: Belarus’ Health Ministry says medical universities will expand targeted admissions while reducing tuition-based places, aiming to keep medical education more accessible. Diplomacy & Culture on the Move: Belarus and Ghana signed three MoUs on trade and agriculture during President John Mahama’s visit, including a joint trade commission and chamber cooperation. Human Rights & Academic Freedom: EHU in Vilnius announced support measures after Belarus designated it an “extremist formation,” citing searches and pressure affecting students, staff, and families.

War & Human Impact: Russia struck Ukraine’s Kharkiv region with missiles and drones, killing 4 and injuring 20+; Zelensky returned from London talks on ceasefire support and said he had a “positive” call with US envoys. Culture & Diplomacy in Belarus: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama visited Brest Hero Fortress, laying a wreath at one of Belarus’ key WWII memorials, and later signed MoUs with Belarus on trade, agriculture, chambers of commerce, and visa-free travel for diplomats. Local Life & Regulation: Belarus’ Economy Ministry is seeking public input on new rules for gardening associations, including limits on renting garden houses for entertainment, event hosting, and sauna services. Travel Safety: Japan urged citizens abroad to avoid photographing sensitive sites like military areas, airports, ports, religious sites, and embassies. Sports & International Events: Russia’s aquatic sports chief said World Aquatics may consider hosting championships in Russia in 2031 or 2033, with St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg named.

Belarus–Ghana Diplomacy: President John Dramani Mahama visited Minsk and Brest, signing a package of agreements with Alexander Lukashenko on trade, agriculture, humanitarian cooperation, and visa-free travel for diplomats and service passports. Cultural Memory: Mahama laid a wreath at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial, praising Belarusian resilience tied to WWII history and modern development. Business & Tech Links: The MoUs include a joint trade/economy commission and cooperation between chambers of commerce, with Belarusian officials highlighting equipment and skills transfer. Local Life Regulation: Belarus’ Economy Ministry proposed new limits for gardening associations—banning entertainment events, event services, and bathhouse services when garden houses are rented short-term. Health Reminder: Belarus’ Health Ministry warned about peak tick season in May–June, urging protective clothing, repellents, regular checks, and medical help for attached ticks. Fact-Check: Belarusian radio’s claim that Japan’s “economic miracle” came from Soviet magazines was rated false after chronology and Japan’s own account were compared. International Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list as labour rights violations and unionist detentions reportedly worsened.

Belarus–UAE Business Ties: UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi wrapped up a visit to Minsk, meeting Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and other senior officials, and leading a UAE business delegation at the UAE–Belarus Trade Day—talks focused on expanding non-oil cooperation in tech, education, healthcare and investment after the 2025 Trade in Services and Investment Agreement. Belarusian Education Update: The Ministry of Education reported results of the centralized exams in specialized subjects: 58,850 11th-graders took the tests, with 638 scoring a perfect 100 (including 190 in math). Cultural Life Beyond Borders: The Belarusian MARA camp will return to Burning Man in Nevada, bringing its “Laznia” cleansing ritual, “Draniki” hospitality hub and a night art car. Sports & Identity: Omani skaters impressed at a Belarusian Olympic Committee festival in Svetlogorsk, while tennis coverage highlighted how Russian and Belarusian players compete under neutral status. Online Safety (UK): Britain’s Online Safety Act is changing how people access certain sites, with stricter age checks and platform duties.

Belarus–UAE Business Ties: UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi wrapped up a Belarus visit, meeting Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and others and highlighting the 2025 Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA), with tech, education, and healthcare flagged as growth areas. Belarus–China Cultural & Trade Push: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng arrived for a working visit, with wreath-laying at the Victory Monument, the Belarus-China industrial forum, and Belagro 2026 “Export of Belarusian Goods to China” events plus planned cultural stops. Education Results at a Glance: Belarus’ centralized exam in specialized subjects saw 58,850 graduates; 638 scored a perfect 100, with top marks most common in math, social studies, and English, and free SMS result notifications rolling out for the main testing group. Culture Beyond Borders: The Belarusian MARA camp will return to Burning Man in Nevada, bringing its “Laznia,” “Draniki,” and “Dracar” art car concept to the 2026 desert community. Belarusian Arts on Tour: INEXKULT announced a major theatre run across Polish cities with “Radio Prudok,” “Whisper,” and “What Are You Seeking, Wolf?” featuring Belarusian-language themes and subtitles. Online Safety Watch: UK’s Online Safety Act is reshaping how people access content, with stricter age checks and platform duties—plus debate over whether tools like VPNs will be targeted next. Human Rights & Community Politics: The European Choice faction in Belarus’ Coordination Council voted no confidence in Aliaksandra Mamayeva citing “security concerns,” ending her representation role.

Belarusian Language & Tech: The Sonora project is raising funds to help AI “speak Belarusian” naturally, aiming to keep the language alive in voice assistants, education, audiobooks and apps. Culture & Diplomacy: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama begins a state visit to Belarus, laying wreaths in Minsk and touring Belagro 2026 to push agricultural modernisation and new cooperation deals. Human Rights & Activism: The European Choice faction has passed a no-confidence vote against Aliaksandra Mamayeva over “well-founded security concerns,” after her reported KGB recruitment attempts and threats to relatives. Sports & Identity: Mirra Andreeva wins her first French Open Grand Slam at 19, while tennis continues to sideline Russian and Belarusian flags—she competes under a neutral banner. Public Health Shock: Children in Barysau were hospitalised after a mass poisoning incident, with investigations and health updates following. War’s Human Cost (regional): Reports highlight the dire situation in Oleshky, where mined roads and isolation leave residents—especially children—trapped with critical shortages.

Belarus-Ukraine War & Humanitarian Reality: Ukraine says Oleshky is effectively cut off, with roads mined and the bridge gone, as people still live amid strikes and landmines—evacuation is urgent, especially for children and elderly residents. Diplomacy & Peace Talks: Zelenskyy published a rare open letter to Putin proposing a face-to-face meeting in a neutral country and a full ceasefire during negotiations, while warning Russia may try to keep the war going through 2027–2028. Belarus Culture & Language Tech: The Sonora project launched a fundraiser to build a Belarusian voice/AI foundation so the language doesn’t disappear from digital life. Local Civic/Activism: The European Choice faction passed a no-confidence vote against Aliaksandra Mamayeva, citing “security concerns,” after her reported KGB recruitment attempts. International Spotlight on Belarus: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama began a state visit to Minsk, touring Belagro 2026 and pushing cooperation in agriculture, education, and trade. Sports & Identity: Mirra Andreeva competes without a flag under neutral status, a reminder of how sport keeps absorbing geopolitics.

Belarus–Ghana Diplomacy: President John Dramani Mahama has started a state visit to Belarus, laying a wreath at Minsk’s Victory Monument and touring Belagro 2026, with talks expected to focus on agriculture, education, trade, and possible visa steps for officials. Belarus–Kyrgyzstan Deals: Belarus and Kyrgyzstan signed 12 cooperation agreements in Bishkek, including mutual recognition of driving licences and new plans in trade, education, culture, social policy, and agriculture. Culture & Heritage in Minsk: A new Belarusian cultural spotlight is set to open in Minsk with an exhibition of Rukhava carpets, a tradition now listed as Belarusian cultural heritage. International Sports & Culture: The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 across the US, Mexico, and Canada, promising a massive 39-day spectacle. Online Safety Debate (UK): The UK’s planned social media ban for under-16s is stirring fresh questions about enforcement and whether VPNs will be targeted. Human Rights Link: Ukraine’s ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets met Russia’s new human rights commissioner, with Belarus credited for helping arrange the meeting.

Diplomatic Spotlight: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has started a state visit to Belarus, with talks planned on agriculture, education, commerce and technical cooperation, plus visits in Minsk and Brest tied to WWII remembrance. Regional Deals: Belarus and Kyrgyzstan signed 12 cooperation agreements, aiming to lift trade to $500 million by 2030 and expanding work in education, culture, social policy and business. Roads & Mobility: Belarus and Kyrgyzstan also agreed to mutually recognize and exchange national driving licences, alongside a batch of labour, agriculture, standards and postal/e-commerce cooperation documents. Human Rights & Work: A new Global Rights Index places Belarus among the worst countries for workers, citing long-running repression in the labour sector and ignored ILO recommendations. War & Peace Talks: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy published a direct open letter to Putin proposing face-to-face negotiations in a neutral country and offering a ceasefire during talks. Culture & Travel: A Belarus-linked mention appears in Bali’s push to revive visa-free travel for select countries, including Belarus.

Ukraine War Diplomacy: Volodymyr Zelenskyy published a direct open letter to Vladimir Putin calling for face-to-face talks, proposing a meeting in a neutral third country (Switzerland, Türkiye, or Arab states) and offering a ceasefire during negotiations plus prisoner and civilian return steps. Belarus International Spotlight: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has started a four-day state visit to Belarus, with talks expected to focus on agriculture, education, commerce, and industry, plus a Minsk wreath-laying at the Victory Monument. Human Rights & Work: Belarusian labor rights are under fire as human rights groups say authorities have ignored ILO recommendations for decades and dismantled independent unions after 2020, creating repression “on paper” rights. Climate Justice: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution backing states’ legal duties to prevent climate harm, while activists say persecution of climate and environmental defenders continues. Travel & Lifestyle: Bali’s tourism ministry is floating a return to visa-free travel that could include Belarus among other countries. Culture & Sports: Oman’s skating team is set for a first overseas showcase in Belarus tied to a new public skate park opening. Public Health: Belarus health authorities reported on children’s condition after a mass food poisoning incident in Barysau.

Human Rights & Power Politics: Indian human-rights lawyer Nandita Haksar argues that “universal” rights language has been repurposed into a tool of Western foreign policy rather than emancipation. Belarus Governance: Lukashenka signed changes expanding executive committees’ control over land management, tightening officials’ grip on real estate. LGBTQ+ Travel Safety: Safeture’s LGBTQ Risk Map 2026 flags worsening conditions for LGBTQ travelers, including Belarus, with higher legal and social risks in multiple countries. Health & Kids in Belarus: Belarus’ health authorities report on children affected by a mass food poisoning incident in Barysau; 28 minors were treated and monitored after symptoms began following kindergarten. Repression & Civil Society: Viasna says people linked to the European Humanities University have been summoned for KGB “interviews,” amid a case tied to the university’s “extremist” designation. Culture & Arts: Bangkok’s 28th International Festival of Dance & Music returns with opera, ballet and contemporary shows, including a Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus production. Sports & Spotlight: At Roland-Garros, Aryna Sabalenka was shocked in the quarter-finals by Diana Shnaider, setting up a semi-final against Maja Chwalinska.

Belarus–SCO Diplomacy: Belarus’s First Deputy FM Sergey Lukashevich met SCO Deputy Secretary General Ahmad Saidmurodzoda, discussing how to deepen cooperation and implement SCO leaders’ initiatives, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and education via AgroSCO. Belarusian Rights & Health: UN experts warn that political prisoners in Belarus face prolonged solitary confinement and denial of independent medical care, urging access to treatment and humanitarian release for those at risk. Culture & Memory: A Belarusian decolonisation marathon is launched by the National Revival Representation, aiming to rethink imposed historical narratives through short posts, books, films, and accessible explanations. Gender Policy Update: Belarus approved a new National Council on Gender Policy regulation, reshaping its composition and tasks to push equal rights and gender-sensitive planning across state programs. Local Community Impact: In Barysau, 27 preschool children were hospitalized with infection-like symptoms after kindergarten attendance; authorities say conditions are stable and an epidemiological investigation is underway. Sports & Pride: Marta Kostyuk reached the Roland-Garros semi-finals, turning a personal tragedy in Kyiv into a historic on-court moment for Ukrainian tennis. International Travel Safety: A new LGBTQ Risk Map 2026 flags worsening conditions in several countries, including Belarus, as legal and social risks for travelers rise. Belarusian Academic Under Pressure: People linked to the European Humanities University report KGB summonses and searches tied to a Belarus case against the institution.