Dictator Lukashenka suspended the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE Treaty).
The initiative was submitted to the “parliament” on April 5. The justification stated that Russia withdrew from the CFE Treaty, after which the USA and its NATO allies froze participation in the treaty, which “meant the termination of its functioning”.
Belarus ratified the treaty in 1992. It provides for limits on the number of weapons and equipment in five categories, as well as information exchange. According to the “Ministry of Defense” of Belarus, the following limits were set for the republic: no more than 100 thousand personnel, 1,800 tanks, 2,600 armored combat vehicles, 1,615 pieces of artillery, 294 combat aircraft, and 80 attack helicopters.
The ministry noted that the number of armed forces amounted to 65 thousand people while hinting at its increase. Assistant to the “defense minister” of Belarus, Valeri Revenko, said that no increase in arms and military equipment was expected soon.
Russia withdrew from the CFE Treaty in November 2023, but its participation was suspended in 2007 by Putin's decree. In connection with the outbreak of a full-scale war, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that “it is impossible to return to the treaty in the current situation.” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov noted that such prospects could be discussed only after the end of the “stormy period” in Russian-Western relations.
Memorial to the fallen Moldovan soldiers of the Transnistrian War in Chisinau. Photo: Alexander Moisseenko
Thirty-three years ago, a ceasefire brought an end to the Transnistrian War—sometimes described by locals as the Russian-Moldovan War. Although the tensions officially ended in 1992, its consequences continue to shape Moldovan politics, society, and security — especially in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Finland is moving to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the decision comes as a direct response to growing aggression from Russia.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has approved a set of controversial laws, including a “foreign agent” act aimed at NGOs and media. Critics say it mimics the U.S. FARA but is weaponized against dissent.
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Memorial to the fallen Moldovan soldiers of the Transnistrian War in Chisinau. Photo: Alexander Moisseenko
Thirty-three years ago, a ceasefire brought an end to the Transnistrian War—sometimes described by locals as the Russian-Moldovan War. Although the tensions officially ended in 1992, its consequences continue to shape Moldovan politics, society, and security — especially in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The Russian capital faced one of the largest terrorist attacks in its history. The terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which claimed the lives of many innocent people, was the second largest after the Beslan tragedy. But unlike previous attacks, this incident is shrouded in a layer of contradictory facts and ambiguities that point to possible miscalculations by the Russian security services
