By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Belarusian Investigative Center report revealed a Russian-operated torture chamber in Naroulia, Belarus, between March and May 2022, where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians were held and abused. Concurrently, a record-high 151 Russian drones illegally entered Belarusian airspace in November, significantly exceeding previous monthly totals. The European Parliament responded by urging stronger sanctions against Belarus, Iran, and North Korea for supporting Russia’s war effort. Furthermore, sanctioned Belarusian potash producer Belaruskali filed a €1 billion arbitration claim against Lithuania.
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Russian troops operated a torture chamber in Belarus during the early stages of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a journalistic investigation has revealed. The facility, located on state-owned property in the town of Naroulia, near the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, was active between March and May 2022. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians abducted from Kyiv Oblast were held and subjected to torture at this location, according to eyewitness accounts and testimony from former prisoners. The descriptions paint a grim picture of consistent beatings and screams emanating from the compound, highlighting the brutal nature of the alleged operations. The state-owned company responsible for the property has declined to comment, deferring inquiries to local authorities.
Over 150 Russian drones illegally entered Belarusian airspace in November 2024, marking a significant escalation in incursions. This represents a nearly threefold increase compared to the previous month and suggests a growing reliance on Belarusian territory for Russian military operations. The majority of these drones were of the Kamikaze type, with a smaller number identified as reconnaissance drones. While Belarusian authorities claim to have shot down several drones, the actual number remains unclear, and independent verification is lacking. The increased drone activity correlates with intensified Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, and Ukrainian military experts suggest improved electronic warfare tactics may be responsible for some drones veering off course and entering Belarusian airspace.
The European Parliament has called for stronger sanctions against Belarus, Iran, and North Korea for their support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. This resolution highlights Belarus’s role as a co-belligerent, providing territory for attacks and supplying substantial amounts of arms and ammunition to Russia. The resolution also calls for adding Chinese entities and individuals supporting Russia’s aggression to the sanctions list. The move reflects growing international concern about the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia through Belarus and the need for coordinated action to address this issue. This continued support fuels the conflict and undermines international efforts to achieve peace.
A sanctioned Belarusian potash producer, Belaruskali, has filed a billion-euro arbitration claim against Lithuania. This stems from Lithuania’s termination of a transit agreement in 2022, forcing Belaruskali to reroute its potash exports away from the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda to Russian ports. The claim underscores the economic impact of sanctions on Belarusian entities and highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding the economic repercussions of the war in Ukraine. The case is further complicated by the EU’s ban on the import and transit of Belarusian potash imposed in 2022 due to the Lukashenko regime’s support for Russia’s aggression.
At least 19 foreign nationals have been jailed in Belarus on charges of “undercover activities,” according to the Viasna Human Rights Center. These cases, often shrouded in secrecy and held behind closed doors, primarily involve individuals from Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Japan, and Germany. The vague nature of the charges and the lack of transparency raise serious concerns about politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing dissent and suppressing any perceived opposition to the Belarusian regime. The increased persecution of foreign nationals following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine underscores the repressive nature of the current political climate within Belarus. The significant number of political prisoners in Belarus, including those with pro-Ukrainian views, highlights the dire human rights situation within the country.