Belarus in February 2026: the most important developments in society
In February 2026, Belarus was drawn into a dispute over Russian and Belarusian athletes at international sport events. Lithuania's prime minister said on 19 February she would boycott the Paralympics over the participation of Russians and Belarusians. European Aquatics lifted restrictions on Belarusian junior athletes on 5 February, an ice hockey chief called for Russia and Belarus to return, and a Belarusian MP explained why Belarusian Paralympians may use the country's flag.
At home, President Lukashenko was briefed on the national situation amid intensifying frosts and the emergency response. He also spoke against smoking and alcohol, praised internationalist soldiers as role models, and said the housing issue for all service members would be resolved within years. The government presented initiatives for the Year of the Belarusian Woman, over 151,000 deposits were opened for large families under the Family Capital program, and prices for essential foods were set to rise. Allegations were raised on 1 February that snow and cold were used to torture political prisoners.
At the border, about 360 vehicles queued to enter the EU on 26 February, and a scientist said the Polish fence damages forest ecosystems. On 28 February the foreign ministry issued recommendations and emergency contact numbers for citizens in Middle Eastern countries amid the conflict there, and advised citizens in Qatar to remain in hotels.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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