I am a journalist and film critic based in Cork, Ireland.

I currently work as a foreign correspondent for the EU-funded press agency Cineuropa. I regularly write reviews, interviews, news and industry report about Irish and European cinemas. I provide extensive coverage of international film ...

Volia Chajkouskaya • Founder and programme director, Northern Lights Nordic

21 Nov 2023  |  Cineuropa - the best of european cinema  |  English  |  Belarusian Filmmakers

Volia Chajkouskaya, founder and programme director of the Northern Lights Nordic-Baltic Film Festival, discusses the festival's evolution from its inception in 2015 to its current hybrid format. Initially supported by the Finnish Embassy, the festival aimed to showcase Nordic films in Belarus and promote democratic values. Despite challenges such as the 2020 protests and the pandemic, the festival has grown to include Baltic films and various side events. This year's highlights include films like 'Smoke Sauna Sisterhood' and 'Apolonia, Apolonia,' as well as a new short competition and a special programme on Ukraine. The festival continues to support Belarusian filmmakers in exile, collaborating with the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

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Belarusian Independent Film Academy Northern Lights Nordic-Baltic Film Festival Finnish Embassy Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

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Nalova Akua is 2022 winner of the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling. The award which honours up-and-coming journalists in Africa who strive to strengthen people's voices and improve their well-being came with a reporting grant and a two-week internship at The Economist ...

Diplomatically Isolated Belarus Seeks Allies in Africa

10 Oct 2023  |  www.theepochtimes.com  |  English  |  Economic Cooperation

Belarus, facing diplomatic isolation, is seeking to strengthen ties with African nations, exemplified by President Lukashenko's recent visit to Equatorial Guinea and Kenya. The cooperation focuses on technology transfer, agriculture, healthcare, and machinery. Experts suggest that while Belarus aims to expand its geopolitical influence, African nations should independently choose their partners based on their specific interests. The visit underscores a new scramble for African resources and highlights the continent's growing geopolitical significance.

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Belarusian Government Kenyan Government Equatorial Guinean Government United States International University, Africa

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Joshua Askew is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

A Polish soldier shoots a Syrian refugee allegedly after 'tripping'

08 Nov 2023  |  es.euronews.com  |  Spanish  |  Human Rights

A Syrian refugee was shot near the Poland-Belarus border by a Polish soldier who allegedly tripped. The incident is under investigation by military police. The refugee, now hospitalized, is receiving legal and psychological aid from the NGO Grupa Granica. Another Syrian man's body was found nearby, though the incidents are not believed to be related. The shooting highlights the ongoing migration crisis in Eastern Europe, with Poland and Lithuania accusing Belarus of facilitating illegal crossings as a form of hybrid warfare. Polish border guards have faced accusations of illegally pushing migrants back to Belarus, raising human rights concerns.

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Belarusian Officials Polish Military Grupa Granica Polish Border Guard

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I’m a journalist based in Beirut covering Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Available for lives, both video and audio. I specialise in covering humanitarian and refugee issues.

Iraqi migrants 'launch hunger strike in Polish detention'

03 Oct 2023  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  Detention Conditions

Four Iraqi migrants at a Polish detention facility began a hunger strike to protest their prolonged detention conditions. They have been held for 17 months at the Guarded Centre for Foreigners in Lesznowola. Another Iraqi migrant, Muhammad al-Zirjawi, has been on a hunger strike for 20 days at a different Polish detention center, suffering from mental distress. The European Union previously accused Belarus of pushing migrants into Poland to create a crisis, a claim Belarus denies. The situation underscores ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns at the EU's borders.

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Belarusian Government Guarded Centre for Foreigners Grupa Granica European Union

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Dominic Culverwell is a journalist based between Berlin and Kyiv. 
Politics, business, economics, banking, conflict, culture. 

Bylines- Financial Times, Radio Free Europe, EuroNews, bne IntelliNews, New Eastern Europe, EYESORE.

Ukraine downs 12 drones overnight

31 Jul 2024  |  The Kyiv Independent  |  English  |  Drone Attacks

Ukraine's General Staff reported that Ukrainian air defense successfully downed all 89 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight, along with one Kh-59 missile. The Ukrainian Navy claimed an attack on a Russian weapons depot near Kursk. Russian attacks across Ukraine resulted in two deaths and nine injuries over the past day. Additionally, a Russian man was sentenced to seven years for alleged links to the Freedom of Russia Legion. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported the most extensive drone attack on Kyiv in 2024, with over 40 drones destroyed. Brian Nelson, a U.S. Treasury official, is set to join Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. A Finnish volunteer fighter was killed in Donetsk Oblast, marking the fourth Finnish casualty in Ukraine. Russia passed a new cryptocurrency law to circumvent Western sanctions, and Belarus pardoned a German citizen sentenced to death for terrorism.

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Belarus Ukrainian Navy General Staff Ukrainian Air Force Kyiv City Military Administration Freedom of Russia Legion US Treasury Department Biden administration Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign Association of Finnish War Veterans Reuters European Union Foreign Ministry

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I’m an experienced foreign correspondent, and work for some of the world’s leading English-language news publications. For a number of years I’ve covered Central Europe for the UK’s The Telegraph, and also write about the area and Eastern Europe for The Scotsman. In addition to this I write ...

Polish soldier stabbed to death by migrant on Belarus border

07 Jun 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Poland-Belarus Relations

A Polish soldier, Mateusz, was fatally stabbed by a migrant while patrolling the Poland-Belarus border, highlighting rising tensions and security concerns in the region. The Polish government has accused Belarus and Russia of using migrants as tools in an asymmetric warfare campaign to destabilize Poland and the EU. In response, Poland has increased its military presence at the border and launched an information campaign to warn migrants against being misled by Belarusian and Russian authorities. The incident has sparked criticism of the Polish military's handling of border security, with President Andrzej Duda and other officials expressing concern over the treatment of soldiers involved in previous border incidents.

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Belarus Polish Army Polish Government

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Piotr Drabik - journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in media - in newspaper (“Dziennik Polski”), news television (TVN24), and radio (Radio ZET). Now he's working in RadioZET.pl, where I’m a part of the news team, and I'm a managing editor of a weekend online magazine. Moreover, from ...

Disturbing leaks from Belarus. 'Staff maneuvers have already taken place'

15 Mar 2024  |  www.fakt.pl  |  Polish  |  International Relations

Foreign Policy magazine reports that Russia has deployed nuclear charges in Belarus, bringing its lethal arsenal closer to NATO territory. This information, based on Western officials, indicates the presence of tactical nuclear weapons, the threat of which has increased since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Belarusian opposition leader Paweł Łatuszka, citing sources within Belarus, reveals maneuvers by Russian and Belarusian staff for the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. He mentions two possible storage locations for Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus and discusses the implications of such a move by Putin and Lukashenko, including the potential for increased problems for Western countries and less support for Ukraine. General Mieczysław Gocuł comments on the dangerous precedent set by introducing the possibility of nuclear weapon use into media discourse and the pressure it puts on the West.

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Belarusian Opposition NATO Russian Military

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Serge Faldin is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He holds an MA in Creative Writing from University of London and his writing has appeared in Meduza, The Guardian, Prospect Magazine, Truthout, and other places.

I’m back to being afraid

20 Oct 2023  |  meduza.io  |  English  |  Political Repression

Three years after the mass protests in Belarus, exiled Belarusians continue to fear the long reach of President Aleksandr Lukashenko's regime. The brutal crackdown on the 2020 protests led to a significant emigration wave, with many Belarusians, including opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, fleeing abroad. Despite living in exile, many still face persecution and pressure from the Belarusian government. The article highlights the ongoing repression, the challenges faced by exiled Belarusians, and their continued fight for democracy and freedom. The European Union is seen as a potential ally, but the situation remains precarious, with Lukashenko's regime maintaining a tight grip on power and aligning closely with Russia.

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Belarusian Government Lukashenko Regime European Union

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Ahmed Fathi is a UN Correspondent and, global affairs analyst based in New York, NY and available for international assignments.

Belarusian Military Training Will Begin as Russia Ramps up Tensions with Ukraine

12 Oct 2023  |  www.amerinews.tv  |  English  |  Belarus-Russia Relations

Russia and Belarus are set to begin ten days of joint military exercises, with significant Russian military hardware relocated near the Ukraine border. The drills, overseen by Russian general staff chief Valery Gerasimov, involve up to 30,000 troops and advanced missile systems. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who has historically maintained a neutral stance, now shows strong support for Russia's Ukraine agenda. This shift follows Russia's support for Lukashenko during the 2020 protests in Belarus. The exercises add another potential front to a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Lukashenko making bold statements about Belarus's military support for Russia. Despite this, analysts suggest Lukashenko's actions may not always align with his promises. The situation underscores Russia's growing influence over Belarus's foreign policy.

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Belarusian Military Russian Military Kremlin International Institute for Strategic Studies

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

Belarus Casts Aside Dissident Athletes, Their Talent ‘Buried’

09 Aug 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Repression

Kristina Timanovskaya, a Belarusian-born sprinter, faced a political crisis during the Tokyo Games when her delegation attempted to forcibly send her home for criticizing the head coach. Now competing for Poland, she has finally been able to participate in her trained events, the 100- and 200-meter dashes, at the Paris Olympics. The article highlights the broader repression in Belarus and the challenges faced by dissident athletes.

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Belarusian Olympic Committee

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Rob Hyde is a freelance journalist based in Bremen, Germany.

His work has been published in The Times, The Daily Mail, The Mirror, The Express, The Daily Record, The Star, The Liverpool Echo & others. He has writes for specialist publications such as The Lancet, and trade periodicals including ...

Latvia follows Poland in putting more troops to Belarus border

04 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Russia-Ukraine War

Latvia is deploying armed soldiers to its border with Belarus and has restricted border guards' leave due to rising concerns over hybrid threats. This follows Poland's similar move to station troops at its Belarus border. The situation is exacerbated by fears that Belarus, with the presence of Russia's Wagner group, is facilitating illegal migration into the EU. Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins emphasized the proactive nature of these measures. Lithuania has also closed some checkpoints with Belarus, highlighting regional security concerns.

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Belarusian Authorities Latvian State Border Guard Wagner Group European Union

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I am a freelance journalist, based in Turkey. I mainly cover Turkey's national news, the Syrian war-related issues, the refugee crisis, and Turkey's foreign policy towards Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. I've been contributing to international media outlets as a reporter. Besides, I've been ...

Turkey issues Belarus flight ban to avert migrant crisis with Europe

13 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  International Relations

Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority has banned citizens of Iraq, Yemen, and Syria from boarding flights to Minsk from Istanbul to address illegal border crossings into the EU via Belarus. Turkish Airlines confirmed the ban, exempting diplomatic passport holders. The EU has accused Belarus of destabilizing its neighbors, prompting potential sanctions. Poland accused Turkey of facilitating irregular migration through the Istanbul-Minsk corridor, a claim Turkey denies. Iraq has halted direct flights to Belarus and is organizing repatriation for its citizens stranded at the border. The article also highlights the role of visa agencies in facilitating travel to Belarus for migrants.

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Belarusian embassy in Ankara Belarusian government Turkish Civil Aviation Authority European Union Iraqi foreign ministry Iraqi embassy in Moscow Iraqi embassy in Warsaw

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James Jackson is a multimedia journalist based in Berlin, Germany. 

James is a self-starting media professional who is comfortable writing news, specialist reports dispatches, op-eds and features. A native English speaker, he is fluent in German and Spanish and covers Central Europe for outlets ...

Dispatch from Podlaskie In Poland’s Wild East, Tatar culture is alive and well

13 Oct 2023  |  meduza.io  |  English  |  Migration Crisis

The article explores the rich Tatar culture in Poland's Podlaskie region, highlighting the historical and contemporary significance of the Tatar community. It delves into the cultural diversity of the region, contrasting it with the nationalist rhetoric ahead of Poland's parliamentary elections. The piece also covers the humanitarian crisis at the Belarus-Poland border, focusing on the efforts of local Tatar leaders to aid migrants and the challenges they face. The narrative underscores the resilience and historical contributions of the Tatars, while critiquing the current political climate and its impact on migration and cultural diversity.

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Belarusian Government Polish Government Polish Border Guards

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Currently: Contributing Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Previously: Producer, Der Spiegel

Ukrainian Children Brought to Camps in Belarus, Exposed to Pro-Kremlin Propaganda

26 Oct 2023  |  WSJ  |  English  |  Propaganda

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has transported over 2,000 Ukrainian children, including orphans, to camps in Belarus where they were exposed to pro-Kremlin propaganda. This effort, supported by an agreement between Russia and Belarus, involved transportation by Russian Railways and funding from Belaruskali. The children were brought to Minsk and then transported to camps using buses from the soccer team Shakhtyor Soligorsk, whose owner, Ivan Golovaty, is implicated in the effort. The article highlights the negative implications of these actions and the involvement of various entities in the propaganda campaign.

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Belarusian Government Russian Railways Shakhtyor Soligorsk

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Israr Khan is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He has more than 17-year experience in reporting and writing with Pakistan’s leading English language newspapers and international media and has enough skills in development sector research.
Currently, Mr. Khan is working as an Economic and ...

Belarus president arrives on 3-day visit

25 Nov 2023  |  www.thenews.com.pk  |  English  |  Diplomatic Visit

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko arrived in Islamabad for a three-day official visit, marking a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-Belarus relations. The visit includes discussions on bilateral cooperation, with plans to sign sixteen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, including trade, agriculture, and technology. The visit underscores the growing partnership between the two nations, with a focus on enhancing trade ties and industrial collaboration. Key discussions also involve cooperation in the legal and justice systems, and the potential for Belarusian investment in Pakistan's electric vehicle sector. The visit is seen as a positive development for both countries, aiming to boost economic and diplomatic ties.

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Belarusian Fund for Financial Support of Entrepreneurs Government of Belarus Government of Pakistan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan Stock Exchange Engineering Development Board Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority International Mediation and Arbitration Center

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With over 5 years experience in Print and Digital media, I've been covering issues on/in Indo-Bangladesh border, Drug Smuggling, Border Security etc for media as well as global research organization. 

As the Senior editor of New Delhi based The CEO Magazine ( and the group's other publication), ...

Sanction-torn Belarus to send relief to flood-hit Pakistan

03 Oct 2023  |  THE NEW INDIAN  |  English  |  International Relations

Belarus, despite facing sanctions from the West due to its ties with Russia, has announced humanitarian aid for flood-hit Pakistan. The aid, valued at approximately ₹3,02,11,122, includes essential supplies and will be airlifted by TransAviaExport Airlines. This move follows Pakistan's appeal for global assistance and is part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two nations, including discussions at the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

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Emergencies Ministry of Belarus European Union United States UN Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

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Katherine Michaelson is a freelance journalist with Voice of America's China Abroad Newsroom based in Middlebury, United States of America. She is also a student at Middlebury College studying International and Global Studies.

China signals defiance to NATO with military drills in Belarus

10 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  NATO

China and Belarus are conducting military exercises in response to NATO's growing interest in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling China's increasing involvement in Europe. The drills, named 'Eagle Assault 2024,' aim to enhance military interoperability and reflect deepening ties between the two nations. The exercises coincide with a NATO summit involving Japan and South Korea, highlighting China's objection to NATO's expanding influence. Experts suggest that China's collaboration with Belarus marks a shift in its foreign policy, focusing more on Eastern Europe. The article also discusses China's broader strategy of forming coalitions with U.S. competitors and adversaries, as well as its support for Russia's actions in Ukraine.

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Belarusian Ministry of Defense NATO Shanghai Cooperation Organization

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Rafal Niedzielski is a journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.
I have worked as freelance videojournalist for Reuters, Associaed Press and other global news agencies. I'm reporter and editor for news departments at major Polish TV companies also cooperate with TV news departments outside Poland as a ...

As EU elections near, migrants surge again at Poland-Belarus border

06 Jun 2024  |  The Christian Science Monitor  |  English  |  Poland-Belarus Border

The article discusses the surge in migrant flows at the Poland-Belarus border ahead of the EU parliamentary elections, highlighting the political tensions between Belarus, backed by Russia, and the European Union. Poland accuses Belarus and Russia of orchestrating the migration crisis to destabilize the EU and boost far-right parties. The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is taking measures to secure the border, while humanitarian groups criticize the tough border policies. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Russian visas and the political implications for EU countries.

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Belarusian Government European Union Polish Government Russian Government

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Polish photojournalist based in Paris, France and Warsaw, Poland. 

She is a winner of Camille Lepage « On Est Ensemble » price delivered yearly at Visa Pour l’Image Festival of Photojournalism, laureate of Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation Grant, and a winner in multimedia category of Freedom German-...

This photographer captured how activists helped migrants at the Poland-Belarus border

01 Nov 2023  |  LAist  |  English  |  Border Conflict

Photographer Kasia Strek documented the migrant crisis at the Poland-Belarus border, highlighting the efforts of activists who came from across Poland to assist migrants. The crisis saw migrants from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and other countries camped in freezing conditions, hoping to cross into Poland. Belarus has been accused of pushing migrants towards the border and encouraging clashes with Polish authorities, a charge denied by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. Strek's work sheds light on the humanitarian efforts amidst the political tensions.

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Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's regime Polish authorities

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Maxim Tucker reports for The Times on Ukraine. He has worked in some of the hottest spots in the conflict zone and various locations throughout the country. He has extensive contacts within the Ukrainian government, military and intelligence services, as well as among diplomats, political parties, ...

US army veterans fight and die in the fields of Ukraine

21 Mar 2025  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Military Veterans

US army veterans are actively participating in the Ukraine war, feeling betrayed by the Trump administration's approach to Ukraine, which contrasts with Biden's. Tango, a veteran from Texas, finds a clearer sense of purpose fighting in Ukraine, despite the dangers and losses, including the deaths of teammates Lance Lawrence and Andrew Webber. The veterans express disillusionment with the US's shifting rhetoric and support, particularly after a tense meeting between President Zelensky, Trump, and JD Vance. Dutch, another veteran, criticizes the Russian military's brutality and highlights the sacrifices made by soldiers like Clutch, who self-fund their efforts. Despite calls for a ceasefire, the veterans believe Russia's ambitions in Ukraine persist.

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Belarusian Legion US 3rd Infantry Division Ukrainian military Russian military French Foreign Legion

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Brian Whitmore is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Putin hopes Belarus border bluff can disrupt Ukraine’s invasion of Russia

25 Aug 2024  |  Atlantic Council  |  English  |  Military Strategy

Ukraine has issued a stern warning to Belarus to withdraw its troops from the border, suspecting that the military buildup is orchestrated by Russia to divert Ukrainian forces from their offensive in Russia's Kursk region. Despite Belarusian President Lukashenka's alignment with Putin, a direct Belarusian invasion of Ukraine is deemed unlikely due to domestic and military reluctance. The article highlights the strategic use of Belarus by Russia for military support and as a diversionary tactic, while Ukraine remains focused on its offensive, viewing the Belarusian threat as a bluff.

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Belarusian Military Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kremlin

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I'm a British multimedia journalist based in the Mumbai region of India. I'm HEFAT certified and create TV and radio, mostly for Voice of America. I’ve also appeared on BBC World Service, France 24 and CBC Radio and Al Jazeera.

I've written for outlets like The Economist, The Washington Post, Al ...

Experts from Latvia: Russia uses migrants as a weapon to strengthen populists

26 Nov 2024  |  ba.voanews.com  |  Bosnian  |  Russian Influence

Experts in Latvia claim that Russia and Belarus are using migrants as a tool to bolster right-wing populist parties in Europe. This tactic has reportedly led to increased political divisions in Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Ainar Šlesers, leader of the populist party 'Letonija na prvom mjestu', has taken a strong stance against immigration, linking it to crime. However, Martin Lange argues that the relationship between migration and crime is complex and not always direct.

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Belarus Russia Letonija na prvom mjestu

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I am a journalist based in San Francisco, United States of America.

I am a graduate of the Department of Art History at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. With experience as both a college teacher and a gallery manager and curator in Beijing, I have a solid understanding of the arts and ...

Chinese and Belarusian Presidents Commit to Strengthening Relations

02 Oct 2023  |  chine.in  |  French  |  Bilateral Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexandre Loukachenko have committed to strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing mutual political trust and international coordination. They discussed the Belt and Road Initiative, with China inviting Belarus to continue its active participation. Both leaders highlighted the importance of cooperation in various sectors, including education, health, sports, and tourism. They also discussed the global governance system and multilateral cooperation through organizations like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The meeting underscored the strategic partnership between China and Belarus, with both countries expressing strong support for each other's development paths and initiatives.

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Belarusian Government Chinese Government United Nations Shanghai Cooperation Organization

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Alina Yanchur is a journalist based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Interested in Data and Investigative journalism.

Garsų pasaulis targets passports of democratic Belarus – will the data be in safe hands?

25 May 2024  |  www.15min.lt  |  Lithuanian  |  Data Security

Garsų pasaulis, a Lithuanian company, is set to produce new passports for democratic Belarus, offering an alternative to the regime's documents. The proposal was made by Mikita Zabuga, a Belarusian citizen with ties to business plans near the Astravyets nuclear power plant. The article raises questions about the security of the data involved in this initiative.

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Belarusian Opposition

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