- World Report 2024: Belarus (hrw.org)
In 2023, widespread repression of government critics in Belarus continued. At time of writing, almost 1,500 people remained behind bars on politically motivated charges, including human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, opposition politicians, culture workers, trade unionists, and activists. Authorities increasingly subjected political prisoners to incommunicado detention, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment.
- Frederick William I of Prussia (Wikipedia)
Frederick William I (German: Friedrich Wilhelm I.; 14 August 1688 – 31 May 1740), known as the Soldier King (German: Soldatenkönig), was King in Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg from 1713 until his death in 1740, as well as Prince of Neuchâtel. Frederick William instituted major military reforms, and expanded the army to new limits. He also made efforts to reduce crime and corruption in his state and centralized his authority during his 27 years reign, cementing Prussia as a regional power. His other notable decisions would be the selling of Prussian overseas colonies and the foundation of the Canton system, as well as the conquest of the port of Stettin. He was succeeded by his son, Frederick the Great.
role in Russo-Ukrainian war
- Belarus role in the Russo-Ukrainian war (ChatGPT)
Belarus has played a significant but indirect role in the Russo-Ukrainian War, acting as a key ally of Russia under the leadership of President Alexander Lukashenko. While Belarus has not committed its own troops to the conflict, it has provided critical logistical support to Russia. This includes allowing Russian forces to use Belarusian territory for staging and launching attacks, particularly during the initial invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when Russian troops advanced toward Kyiv from Belarus. Additionally, Belarus has hosted joint military exercises with Russia and permitted its airspace to be used for missile strikes on Ukraine. Lukashenko’s regime has faced international sanctions and diplomatic isolation as a result of its support for Russia, but it continues to align closely with Moscow, relying heavily on Russian economic and political backing to maintain its own stability.
- Belarus (Wikipedia)
Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Covering an area of 207,600 square kilometres (80,200 sq mi) and with a population of 9.2 million, Belarus is the 13th-largest and the 20th-most populous country in Europe. The country has a hemiboreal climate and is administratively divided into six regions. Minsk is the capital and largest city; it is administered separately as a city with special status.
