AGP Executive Report

Belarus-Russia travel warning: Belarus Security Council Secretary Alexander Volfovich urged citizens to avoid travel to Russia, citing drone risks after reports of a bus strike in Bryansk. EU spyware scandal: Citizen Lab says former Greek MEP Stelios Kouloglou’s phone was repeatedly hacked with Pegasus while he served on the EU PEGA committee investigating spyware abuse—raising alarms about institutional security. Belarus-linked cyber threat: Jamf Threat Labs reports PamStealer, a macOS infostealer delivered via fake Maccy clipboard apps and a lookalike domain, using a Rust payload and password checks. Ukraine war spillover: Kyiv reports deep strikes on Russian defence and industrial targets, while warning Belarus could be pulled further into the conflict. NATO eastern flank spotlight: Lithuania’s NATO-linked training drew attention after a schoolgirl won a Bundeswehr tank ride; meanwhile, reports claim Russia may stage an armed “provocation” to test NATO resolve. Science & tech tie-ins: Belarus and Indonesia launched a 2026–2030 cooperation roadmap covering science, technology, health, and food security; separate reporting highlights Indonesia–Belarus health and pharma MoUs. Minsk infrastructure repair: Crews removed fire-damaged elements at a central Minsk building; a temporary roof is planned by July 3 as an investigation continues. Space/medicine inspiration: Chornobyl fungi research suggests radiation-tolerant biology could inform future medicine and even space missions.

Cybersecurity & Spyware: Citizen Lab reports NSO Group’s Pegasus-style spyware was repeatedly used against a European parliament member probing Pegasus abuses, with attack traces linked to earlier campaigns targeting exiled Russian and Belarusian journalists. Belarus-Linked AI Targeting: Russia’s foreign ministry claims Ukraine uses AI to identify Belarus-plate vehicles for drone strikes, while a criminal case is opened over an attack on a bus arriving from Belarus. Belarus Tech & Infrastructure: Minsk crews completed fire-damaged roof element removal at 9 Lenin Street; a temporary roof is due by July 3 as investigators probe the June 28 blaze. AI Compute for Research: Legrand delivered an Nvidia H100-based supercomputer (64 GPUs) to Yerevan State University, highlighting regional data-center modernization that includes Belarus among CIS customers. Mobile Networks: Belarus says “unlimited” mobile plans now cap speed after 30 GB (to 1 Mbps) to ease network load, with capacity growth outpacing traffic. Belarus–Indonesia Science & Industry: Belarus and Indonesia launched a 2026–2030 cooperation roadmap plus MoUs spanning science/technology, health, finance, and modern agriculture—fertilizers, equipment, and training included. Trade Fact-Check: Belarusian Radio’s claim that SCO membership brings tariff-free trade is rated false; SCO tariffs between members aren’t abolished. Ukraine Strike Context: Reports describe a massive July 1–2 drone/missile barrage hitting Kyiv, with heavy use of decoys and mixed missile types.

Belarus–Indonesia Tech & Health Deals: Belarus and Indonesia kicked off an ambitious 2026–2030 cooperation roadmap in Jakarta, with MoUs spanning science and technology, medical education, and pharma collaboration (including training exchanges and links between Belarusian and Indonesian medical manufacturers). Food Security & Industrial Modernization: The same roadmap puts modern agriculture at the center—fertilizers, agricultural machinery and technology, heavy equipment, and Belarus offering training “at its leading manufacturing plants” to boost Indonesia’s technological independence. Belarus–Brazil Education Mobility: Belarus’ First Deputy FM Sergey Lukashevich met Brazil’s ambassador to deepen humanitarian ties, especially higher education, academic mobility, and direct university-to-university exchange. Mobile Internet Policy: Belarus’ communications ministry says “unlimited” mobile plans with a 30 GB threshold and speed reduction to 1 Mbps after that achieved its goal by shifting traffic toward Wi‑Fi and easing network load. Independent Educators Under Review: UN experts urged Belarus to withdraw proposed rules that would create a state register for tutors and restrict independent educators tied to broadly defined “extremist” convictions.

Belarus–China Ties: Lukashenko met Xi in Beijing, with China pledging support for Belarus’s sovereignty and development—while Minsk signals it wants close coordination without losing room to balance Russia and the West. Education Policy Under Scrutiny: UN experts warned Belarus against a proposed state register for tutors and independent educators and restrictions tied to “extremist” convictions, saying it could stigmatize people and restrict lawful work with children. Regional Tech & Industry Links: Belarus and China opened a regional forum in Lanzhou, framing cooperation as “value chains” at a new technological stage; meanwhile, Belarusian firms are also pushing tech-rooted cooperation with Indonesia, including agricultural mechanization and health/pharma contacts. Belarus Tech/Industry Watch: A Russian engineering team is reportedly offering turnkey modernization work for Hrodna Azot, including a new urea facility concept. Cross-border Logistics: Russia plans to close seven rail border crossings to Estonia, Latvia and Finland starting July 1, affecting passenger and freight routes.

Belarus–China Tech & Education: First Deputy Prime Minister Mikalai Snapkou opened the first Belarusian-Chinese Regional Forum in Lanzhou, pitching Belarus as an industrial and high-tech value-chain platform for Chinese regions. Biotech Workforce Push: Aliaksandr Lukashenka, at Peking University for the first cohort graduation of a joint Belarusian-Chinese biotechnology program, said graduates should return to Belarus and announced a special center to train “professions of the future.” SCO Academic Cooperation: Iran’s Shahid Beheshti University signed an MoU with Russia’s Peoples’ Friendship University to deepen SCO-linked postgraduate and PhD research cooperation, including scholarship offers. Energy Security (Regional): Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy says fuel and lubricant reserves are sufficient, with supply diversification talks involving Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Industrial Modernisation: A Russian engineering team tied to Krastsvetmet offered Hrodna Azot a turnkey urea facility plan, aiming to replace foreign contractors and build a closed production cycle. Digital/Payments: Belarus’ National Bank unveiled the KROK national payment service. Education Rights Concern: UN human rights experts urged Belarus to withdraw proposed rules requiring independent tutors to be registered and restricting those convicted under broad “extremism” laws.

Belarus–Indonesia Trade & Tech: Belarus asked Indonesia for 14,000 tons of crude palm oil and 120,000 tons of cocoa annually, while also discussing agricultural mechanization know-how and health/pharma cooperation; a separate Belarusian-Indonesian forum already cites $49M in signed contracts. Belarus–China Biotech Pipeline: Lukashenka attended Peking University’s graduation for the first Belarusian-Chinese biotechnology cohort and pushed a “work in Belarus” message, alongside plans for a special center to train “professions of the future.” Belarus–UN Tech/Conflict Claims: At a UN Security Council meeting, Belarus’ envoy said a drone used in a Belarusian bus attack in Bryansk was Ukrainian-made (Darts type), tying it to FPV control and specific components. OSCE Human Rights: OSCE officials and civil society warned that torture prevention still fails without safeguards, independent monitoring, and accountability. Aviation/AI Angle: A report highlights how air traffic control still relies on old-style ground processes, arguing AI could modernize safety and staffing.

Belarus–China Tech Ties: Lukashenka’s Beijing visit included a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of a joint Belarusian-Chinese biotechnology program at Peking University, with the president urging graduates to return and work in Belarus. Belarusian Cybersecurity: A UN Security Council briefing heard Belarus identify the drone type used in a strike on a Belarusian bus in Russia’s Bryansk region, alleging Ukrainian-made components and FPV control tech. Payments & Crypto Oversight: Belarus plans to introduce a KYT provider for cryptocurrency transaction monitoring, while the National Bank unveiled KROK as a new national payment service. Research & Education Infrastructure: Belarus is set to establish a National Academy of Education, and a Belarusian designer, Ihar Nazaranka, reached finalist status at an AI festival in Seoul. Regional Tech/Industry Finance: The Eurasian Development Bank is considering major expansion with 11 potential new member states, aiming to broaden its development reach. Security Tech Context: Ukraine reports layered engineering works along the Chernihiv–Belarus border, while NATO allies run “Freedom Shield I” drills emphasizing drones, secure communications, and AI-driven command and control.

Crypto Compliance in Belarus: Belarus is set to introduce a KYT (Know Your Transaction) provider for monitoring cryptocurrency transactions, with the Hi-Tech Park discussing draft rules for crypto-bank status, internal controls, and anti–money laundering requirements. Payments Upgrade: The National Bank of Belarus unveiled KROK, a unified instant QR payment service launching July 1, aiming for faster, simpler payments directly from a customer’s bank account (no card involved) with a phased rollout starting in several cities. Belarus–China Tech Ties: Xi Jinping met Lukashenko in Beijing, calling for deeper strategic cooperation; the meeting highlights ongoing Belt and Road and high-level bilateral projects. Belarus in the Drone Ecosystem: Rostec says it mass-produces dozens of drone types and showcased systems including Falcon and Lightning 13 at Belarus-2026. Cybersecurity Watch: UNC1151 (Ghostwriter) ran a Gmail phishing campaign targeting a Belarusian pro-democracy politician, while separate reporting links Russian forensics tools (Cellebrite) to post-contract hacking cases. Regional Tech & Security: Latvia and Ukraine plan joint drone manufacturing in Latgale, and Ukraine is building layered border defenses near Belarus.

Belarus–China Partnership: Xi Jinping and Aliaksandr Lukashenko in Beijing hailed “strategic ally” ties at a “historic peak,” with both sides stressing expanding cooperation and support for Belarus’s sovereignty. Payments Tech: Belarus’s National Bank unveiled KROK, a unified instant QR payment service launching July 1, aiming for “technological sovereignty” and faster, simpler transfers directly from customers’ bank accounts (no card routing). Cybersecurity: UNC1151 (Ghostwriter) targeted a Belarusian pro-democracy politician with Gmail phishing to steal credentials, part of a broader credential-theft operation across Belarus and Ukraine. Surveillance Forensics: Citizen Lab says Russian investigators used Cellebrite UFED to extract data from jailed activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone even after Cellebrite claimed it cut sales to Russia/Belarus—fueling concerns about offline-capable tools. Regional Tech & Drones: Latvia plans joint drone manufacturing with Ukraine in Latgale and will deploy counter-drone systems along the border with Russia and Belarus in July–August. Standards & Trade: A guide explains EAC marking for electronics under the EAEU rules, warning buyers to avoid products that try to bypass compliance.

Belarus–Ukraine Tech & Security: Ukraine says Russian drone signal relay stations in Belarus were used to steer attacks, and that Minsk’s equipment was switched off after Zelensky’s ultimatum—keeping the spotlight on Belarus as a tech-enabled military node. Digital Forensics & Rights: Citizen Lab reports Russian investigators used Cellebrite UFED to crack jailed activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone in 2021, months after Cellebrite claimed it exited Russia—raising alarms about “sales cutoffs” failing against offline-capable tools. High-Tech Industry Integration: Russia and Belarus are implementing 26 high-tech import-substitution projects, including electronics components, optical/photonics cooperation, and aviation supply chains. Standards for Market Access: A guide explains EAC certification under the EAEU—relevant for Belarusian buyers and sellers trying to avoid non-compliant electronics. Regional Tech Diplomacy: CEU may return degree programmes to Budapest via a dual-campus model, while research activity in Hungary expands—an education-tech signal for the region.

Forensic Tech & Human Rights: Citizen Lab reports Russian investigators used Cellebrite UFED to crack jailed activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone in June 2021—months after Cellebrite said it stopped selling to Russia—showing how “sales cutoffs” don’t stop seized tools from being used in political cases. Belarus–Ukraine Security Tech: Ukrainian claims point to Belarus-based signal relay stations helping steer Russian drones, with Zelensky warning Minsk to remove/switch off equipment; related reports say “drone signal boosters” were later switched off. Belarus Industry & High-Tech Substitution: Putin says Russia and Belarus are running 26 high-tech import substitution projects, including Belarusian components for electronics and cooperation tied to aircraft and photonics. Union State Manufacturing: Belarus and Russia awarded first “Union State Product” labels to a MAZ bus and a BELAZ mining dump truck. EAEU Product Compliance Explained: A guide clarifies what the EAC mark means for electronics sold across Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Regional Tech/Trade Events: ITM 2026 textile machinery drew 48k+ visitors in Istanbul; Newegg launched a conversational AI shopping mode for building PCs. Education & Science Culture: CEU may return degree programmes to Budapest via a dual-campus model, while the European Geography Olympiad opens in Varna with Belarus among participants.

Digital Forensics & Rights: Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto says Russian investigators used Cellebrite’s UFED to crack jailed opposition activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone in June 2021—months after Cellebrite claimed it had exited Russia—raising fresh alarms about how “sales cutoffs” fail once tools are already in authoritarian hands. Belarus–Ukraine Tech Tensions: Ukrainian reporting highlights alleged Belarus-based signal relay stations used to steer Russian drones, while Zelenskyy’s warnings about relay equipment reportedly led to it being switched off. Security Infrastructure on the Border: Zelenskyy-linked reporting claims Belarus is nearing completion of road, fuel, and ammunition storage buildouts along the Ukraine border, pointing to deeper logistical support for Russia. High-Tech Industrial Cooperation: Putin says Russia and Belarus are implementing 26 high-tech import substitution projects, including electronics, photonics, and aviation component supply chains. Eurasian Policy Platform: Minsk will host the 4th Eurasian security conference on Nov 3–4, with Belarus shaping the agenda. Cybersecurity Roundup: A weekly breach digest flags Belarus-linked hacking activity targeting Gmail accounts in Poland and urges patching of actively exploited flaws.

Belarus-Ukraine Tech Tensions: Ukraine says Russian drone signal relay equipment in Belarus has been switched off after Zelensky’s ultimatum, while separate reporting points to Belarus-based signal relay stations that allegedly help steer drones toward targets—raising the stakes for Minsk’s role in the war. Cybersecurity & Surveillance: Citizen Lab reports Russian authorities used Cellebrite UFED to break into jailed activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone in 2021, months after Cellebrite said it would stop selling to Russia/Belarus—another reminder that forensic tools can fuel political repression. Belarus-Russia High-Tech Industry: Putin says Belarus and Russia are implementing 26 import substitution projects in high-tech, including electronics and photonics cooperation, plus aviation component supply chains. EU Integration Watch: CEU may return degree programmes to Budapest via a dual-campus model, while Belarus-linked regional security dynamics continue to shape academic and policy agendas. Regional Security Policy: Eastern flank EU states push to activate “Eastern Flank Watch” to counter drone threats, with Belarus and the border region repeatedly in the spotlight. Tech Business (Not Belarus-specific): Newegg launches a conversational AI shopping mode that keeps context while building a cart, reflecting the broader AI push in consumer tech.

Belarus-Ukraine Tech Tensions: Ukraine says Russian drone signal relay stations in Belarus—linked to steering Shahed-type attacks—have been switched off after Zelensky’s ultimatum, while Kyiv also warns Minsk to remove the equipment or face action. Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics: Citizen Lab reports Russian authorities used Cellebrite UFED to break into opposition activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone in 2021, months after Cellebrite said it would stop selling to Russia/Belarus—fueling concerns about misuse of commercial forensic tools. Union State Industry: Belarus and Russia awarded the first “Union State Product” labels to a MAZ bus and a BELAZ mining dump truck, highlighting high-tech import substitution and shared supply chains. Regulation & Safety: Lukashenko signed a decree “On Fire Safety,” updating building fire rules and expanding the State Industrial Safety Inspectorate’s oversight over explosives production. EAEU/EDB Integration: The EEC and EDB signed a cooperation memorandum, including support for joint industrial and agro projects and expanded use of information technology and AI. Regional Security Watch: Eastern flank EU leaders pushed to activate “Eastern Flank Watch” to counter drone and hybrid threats, with funding and timelines now under pressure.

Belarus-Ukraine Tech Tensions: Ukraine says Russian drone signal relay equipment in Belarus has been switched off after Zelensky’s ultimatum, while Kyiv points to Belarus-based relay stations that may extend drone control ranges and raise the risk of strikes. Cybersecurity & Surveillance: Citizen Lab reports Russian authorities used Cellebrite UFED forensic tools to crack opposition activist Andrey Pivovarov’s iPhone in 2021, months after Cellebrite said it stopped selling to Russia—fueling new concerns about how forensic access persists. Defense & Mobilization: Belarus is running mobilization drills in Grodno and building temporary Dnipro crossings for logistics, as Ukraine warns Minsk is quietly preparing for a larger role in the war. Industrial Safety Regulation: Lukashenko signed a decree on fire safety and expanded the Industrial Safety Inspectorate’s oversight over explosives production, aiming to streamline compliance. Regional Tech-Economy Links: The EEC and EDB signed a cooperation memo to expand industry, agro projects, and support for information technology and AI use across the Eurasian Economic Union. AI in Retail (Not Belarus, but tech-relevant): Newegg launched a conversational AI shopping mode that keeps context during product searches and build planning. Union State Industry: Belarus and Russia awarded the first “Union State Product” labels to a MAZ bus and a BELAZ mining dump truck, highlighting shared manufacturing requirements.

Belarus–Ukraine Border Tech & Military Logistics: Ukraine says Russian drone signal boosters in Belarus were switched off after Kiev’s ultimatum, while Ukrainian border officials warn the Belarus frontier remains dangerous with minefields and fortifications. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Belarusian forces built a temporary Dnipro crossing to speed repairs of a main bridge, highlighting ongoing military engineering capacity. Mobilization Drills in Grodno: Belarus’ Defense Ministry summoned conscripts and reservists in the Grodno region for mobilization and equipment training, alongside nuclear-related command drills—signals of deeper readiness near the Lithuania/Baltics border. Cybersecurity & Surveillance: Citizen Lab reports Russian authorities used Cellebrite tools to crack a political prisoner’s iPhone even after Cellebrite said it stopped selling to Russia, underscoring persistent forensic access risks. EAEU/EDB Tech-Linked Finance: The EEC and Eurasian Development Bank signed a cooperation memo, including support for industry/agro projects and expanded use of information technology and AI. Belarus Industry Investment: EDB is financing a high-tech oilseed processing plant in Belarus (over 1.5M tonnes/year capacity), pushing export-oriented food processing. Regional Defense Watch: Eastern flank EU states urged faster approval of “Eastern Flank Watch” to counter drone and hybrid threats.