Belarus

Belarus, under President Lukashenko's regime, has been in the spotlight due to political repression and regional security concerns. The European Parliament awarded Andrzej Poczobut, a Polish-Belarusian journalist critical of the Belarusian government, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought while he remains imprisoned, highlighting issues with freedom of speech and press within Belarus. Additionally, Lithuania has faced disruptions due to weather balloons crossing from Belarus into its airspace, impacting aviation operations and border crossings. These incidents coincide with heightened tensions in the region following Poland's shooting down of Russian drones that entered NATO territory, which was seen as a significant intrusion. The situation underscores ongoing geopolitical challenges and security concerns involving Belarus and its neighbors.