AI Governance: Pakistan joined Belarus among founding members of WAICO, a new intergovernmental body launched in Shanghai to push global AI cooperation, governance, and “safe, equitable” development. Cybersecurity: The US Treasury sanctioned First VPN Service (1VPNS) and a Belarus-linked malware obfuscation provider, alleging VPN infrastructure was used to hide ransomware operations and manage stolen data. Belarus Tech & Security: A report claims Russia is using Belarus-based signal relay stations to pilot long-range drones for precision strikes, raising new concerns about Belarus’ role in the drone-control chain. Space/Connectivity: Starlink is tightening international access on cheaper Roam plans, pushing travelers to upgrade to Roam Unlimited for use outside their registered home country. STEM/Research Policy: A global ranking shows Belarus among countries with steep academic freedom declines (2015–2025), highlighting pressure on research and teaching autonomy. Economy & Wages: Belstat reports Belarus’ median wage rose to 2,314.9 BYN in May 2026, with the biggest sector figures in information and communication. Education/Tech Society: Belarus-linked searches of Stalinist repression researcher Ihar Stankevich were tied to the “Nation of Leaders” online course platform, underscoring the tech-adjacent risks for researchers.