Belarus in September 2026: the most important developments in politics
Belarus's politics in September 2026 centred on President Alexander Lukashenko's personnel changes, talks with the United States and ties with Russia.
On 28 September Lukashenko appointed new deputy ministers and agency heads. He named security official Pavel Muraveiko deputy head of the presidential administration, a move he said was necessary and warned against speculation about. Andrei Kuntsevich was appointed to lead the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research, and deputy posts changed in five ministries and agencies. On 30 September he approved sending the 2027 fiscal package to parliament. Earlier he pressed officials on housing and rent arrears, set education priorities and said Belarus had turned into a casino, ordering a review of the gambling business and its advertising.
On 15 September Lukashenko met US special envoy Coale in Minsk. He said Belarus is open to discussing any matters with the United States but that agreements must be honoured, and he denied claims of repression. The envoy had visited Lithuania on 14 September to discuss political prisoners. On 16 September the envoy secured the release of 25 prisoners, with hundreds more expected in the near term and an interim deal agreed. UN experts said Belarus uses its justice system to silence critics of Lukashenko, and a Belarusian opposition leader warned the US against a risky deal with him. Lithuania said it is not the time to soften its stance toward Belarus.
Lukashenko spoke at the SCO summit on 1 September, saying Belarus can contribute to food security and stability. He congratulated Putin on Russia's single voting day, said Belarus would have faced Ukraine's fate if separated from Russia, and received the Russian Prosecutor General in Minsk. At a national unity forum on 17 September he warned of a Ukrainian scenario in Belarus and responded to Poland's territorial claims. He also called for stronger ties with the Vatican.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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