AGP Executive Report

Belarus–Pakistan Tech & Education Links: Belarusian and Pakistani officials met to review trade and set up “secure and mutually acceptable” payment mechanisms, including local-currency settlements—plus plans that touch business and technical cooperation. BRICS Culture Track Goes Digital: The 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal adopted the “Bhopal Declaration,” pushing cooperation in cultural and creative industries, UNESCO heritage work, and “provenance research” with AI-based tracing tools—Belarus joined as a partner. Belarus Border Pressure Watch: Ukraine’s border guards say there’s been no buildup of a Russian strike force on Belarus territory, while warning Russia keeps trying to pull Belarus deeper into the war. Belarus Science Spotlight: Researchers in Belarus’ Białowieża National Park reported an extremely rare fungus, Cyphelloporia bialoviesensis, with the world’s only confirmed population. Space Race Context: Coverage highlights China’s moon plans and the south pole focus, underscoring how lunar resources could shape future tech and policy.

Belarus Border Security: Ukraine’s border guard spokesperson says no Russian strike-force buildup toward the Ukrainian border has been observed on Belarusian territory, while warning Russia keeps pressuring Minsk to get more involved. Energy & Infrastructure: Belarus reports storm damage after thunderstorm winds left 438 settlements without power, with the hardest hit areas in Minsk Region (295 settlements) and Vileyka district; 180 repair crews are working to restore 10 kV networks. Belarus–Pakistan Tech & Trade Finance: Belarus’ ambassador to Pakistan met Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan to push bilateral trade and industrial cooperation, including consultations on secure local-currency payment mechanisms and alternative settlement arrangements. EAEU Digital Integration: EAEU trade is on track to top $100bn in 2026 as the bloc shifts toward digital trade, AI, and reducing non-tariff barriers, with Belarus among key partners for Kazakhstan. Science in Belarus: Scientists in Białowieża National Park identified an extremely rare fungus, Cyphelloporia bialoviesensis, the only confirmed population in the world in Belarus. Regional Tech/Space Context: A new “space race” narrative highlights China’s push toward a moon settlement by 2040, with the south pole as a key target. Culture & Digital Tools (BRICS): BRICS culture ministers adopted the Bhopal Declaration, including cooperation on cultural property provenance research and exploring AI-based tracing tools.

Space & Astronomy: A total solar eclipse on Aug 12 will be visible across parts of Europe, with the UK seeing over 96% of the Sun covered—another reminder that skywatching is becoming a tech-and-science habit, not just a spectacle. Belarus Science & Nature: Belarusian mycologists report the first confirmed Belarusian population of an ultra-rare fungus, Cyphelloporia bialoviesensis, found in Białowieża Forest and tied to very specific deadwood-rich spruce habitats. Border Tech & Security: Lithuania says migrants are using underground tunnels near the Belarus border—12 found since the start of the year—raising questions about detection tech and cross-border instability. EAEU Digital Integration: EAEU trade is projected to top $100bn in 2026 as the bloc pushes digital trade, AI, and fewer non-tariff barriers, including new rules for e-commerce and a unified financial market. Cybercrime: A Belarusian national was sentenced to 16 years in the US for creating and running Ransom Cartel ransomware, linked to attacks on at least 18 companies. Education & Research Links: Tanzania and Belarus are expanding academic cooperation, including joint research, expert exchanges, and scholarships in engineering, data science, and AI.

Belarus-EU Media Crackdown: Belarus has labeled Euronews “extremist,” restricting access to its site and raising the risk of penalties for readers—an escalation opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls Lukashenka’s revenge. Cybercrime Sentencing: A Belarusian national, Maksim Silnikau, was sentenced to 16 years in the US for creating and running the Ransom Cartel ransomware-as-a-service operation. Power Restoration After Storms: Thunderstorms left 438 Belarusian settlements without electricity; the Minsk Region and Vileyka district were hit hardest, with emergency crews working to restore 10 kV networks. Białowieża Forest Science: Belarusian scientists reported the first find of an ultra-rare fungus, Cyphelloporia bialoviesensis, found only on dead Norway spruce in damp spruce-alder forests. Education & Tech Cooperation: Tanzania and Belarus agreed to expand academic cooperation, with talks including engineering, data science, and AI. EAEU Digital Integration: EAEU leaders signed deals on e-commerce, a unified financial market, and mutual recognition of academic titles—aimed at boosting cross-border digital trade and research mobility. Belarus Border Tech/Defense Context: Lithuania’s foreign minister warned of hybrid threats from Belarus, while Germany plans a permanent brigade deployment in Lithuania near the Belarus border.

Belarus–Pakistan Trade Payments: Belarus and Pakistan agreed to consult on “secure and mutually acceptable” payment mechanisms, including local-currency settlements, to boost bilateral trade ahead of their joint ministerial commission. Belarusian Cybercrime Sentencing: A Belarusian national, Maksim Silnikau, was sentenced to 16 years in the US for creating and running the Ransom Cartel ransomware-as-a-service operation, linked to attacks on at least 18 organizations. Belarus Fuel Logistics Under Pressure: Reuters reports record July rail shipments of gasoline and diesel from Belarus to Russia, as Russian refinery outages and drone strikes keep domestic fuel production below demand. Radiation Map Update: Belarusian scientists explained why 177 settlements were excluded from the radioactive contamination zone, arguing the government’s “clean” list decisions have major implications for residents. Tech/Language Policy in Exile: The United Transitional Cabinet in Warsaw plans to present four strategic documents on Belarusian language, culture, education, and information policy. Cyber Safety Tech Trend: A report highlights how Bluetooth mesh and similar offline messaging apps can keep communications running during internet shutdowns—often used in protest and hostile scenarios.

Cybercrime & Courts: A US judge sentenced Belarusian Maksim Silnikau to 16 years for running Ransom Cartel, a ransomware-as-a-service operation that attacked at least 18 companies. Belarus Tech Policy: Belarusian scientists explain why 177 settlements were removed from the radioactive contamination zone, arguing the government’s “clean” list is a health-cost budget fix. Energy & Supply Chains: Ukraine’s drone strikes repeatedly hit Russia’s Slavneft-YANOS refinery, while Russia authorizes lower-grade gasoline (Euro-2 to Euro-4) through 2027—an attempt to stabilize fuel after refinery damage. Belarus Fuel Link: Reuters reports record July rail shipments of gasoline and diesel from Belarus to Russia, showing Belarus refineries are propping up Russian fuel flows despite attacks. Defense Tech & Drones: Lukashenko says he’s considering a “universal” counter-drone system, and analysts assess a Belarus Su-25 “nuclear” exercise as more survival-focused than tactical nuclear practice. Connectivity & Security: A report looks at Bluetooth mesh apps and why they can surge during internet shutdowns—useful for protests, but also for hostile actors. Space/Comms Regulation: Starlink coverage expands, but some countries raise regulatory and security concerns, while Belarus is listed among those not currently slated for service. Extremism & Online History: A Homiel local history Telegram channel (“In Search of Old Homiel”) was added to Belarus’ extremist materials list, suspending its quiz format.

Satellite Internet & Regulation: Starlink expands across South America and parts of Africa, but pending approvals show tight telecom rules in countries like Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam—while Russia and Belarus are not listed. Belarus–Ukraine Border Security: Ukraine says the Belarus threat becomes “real” only if provocations target the border, citing engineering obstacles, minefields, surveillance upgrades and reinforced units. Counter-Drone Push in Belarus: Lukashenko is considering a “universal” anti-drone system and is backing an Academy of Intellectual Technologies focused on applied science (engineering, digital tech, aerospace research, AI). Military Build-Up: Belarus is expanding the 37th Air Assault Brigade near Ukraine with a second maneuver battalion plus artillery, air defense, reconnaissance and support. Fuel Logistics Under Strain: Reuters reports record July rail fuel shipments from Belarus to Russia, with gasoline up 13% to 212,000 tonnes and diesel up to 162,000—helping offset refinery outages from drone strikes. Governance & Tech Education: The academy plans up to 150 students a year, with graduates tied to a minimum five-year contract and placed with companies from day one. Cyber/Comms Tech at the Border: Germany’s NATO-linked electronic warfare unit in Lithuania monitors the electromagnetic spectrum near the Belarus border and can jam communications in critical moments. Corruption Case: A Vitsyebsk court sentenced a deputy chief engineer at a Belarus oil refinery to 13 years for bribery tied to falsified procurement and documentation. Extremism Labeling: Belarus authorities added a Telegram local history project channel (“In Search of Old Homiel”) to the extremist materials list, suspending its quiz format. Agriculture Claims Fact-Check: Belarus state media’s “1.8-fold” harvest yield claim was mostly false—officially it was 1.8 centners per hectare, and wheat comparisons to Lithuania weren’t supported.

Belarus Education & Defense Tech: Lukashenko is pushing a new Academy of Intellectual Technologies aimed at applied science and engineering, with tracks spanning natural sciences, engineering tech (including aerospace research and new materials), and digital tech (AI and digital finance), plus company-linked study and a five-year work contract plan—while also reiterating hopes for a “universal” counter-drone system. Border Security Tech: Ukraine says the Belarus threat becomes “real” only if provocations target the border, pointing to engineering obstacles, minefield reinforcement, and expanding video surveillance and fortifications. Drone-Era Energy Logistics: Reuters reports Belarus rail fuel shipments to Russia hit a new monthly record in July as Russian refinery outages—linked to Ukrainian drone strikes—tighten supply. Legal & Governance: Vitsyebsk court sentenced a deputy chief engineer at a Belarus oil refinery to 13 years for bribery tied to procurement and falsified documentation. Information Integrity: Belarusian state media’s “1.8-fold” harvest claim was flagged as mostly false: the real figure was 1.8 centners per hectare, and wheat comparisons to Lithuania weren’t supported. Tech Policy & Society: A Homiel local history Telegram channel (“In Search of Old Homiel”) was added to the Republican list of extremist materials, with the project pausing its quiz format. Cross-border Sanctions: Ukraine imposed sanctions on Belarus defense/tech firms including Kidma Tech and TISA, citing roles in Russia’s defense-industrial supply chain. AI/Battery Industry: ELECTRA AI says its battery intelligence layer (EVE-Ai) was selected by TapFin to strengthen battery-level analytics for lenders and operators.

Belarus Tech Education & Defense R&D: Lukashenko is pushing the new Academy of Intellectual Technologies as an applied, industry-linked pipeline for engineers and digital specialists, with plans for up to 150 students a year and company assignments from day one; he also floated a “universal” counter-drone weapon concept, asking whether Belarus should focus on drone-killing systems or longer-term materials and rare-earth work. Border Tech & Infrastructure: Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service says the Belarus threat becomes “real” if provocations target the Ukrainian-Belarus border, pointing to engineering obstacles, route destruction, minefields, and expanding video surveillance and fortifications. Military Build-Out Near Ukraine: Belarus is expanding the 37th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade near the border into a larger, more self-sufficient force with a second maneuver battalion plus artillery, air defense, reconnaissance, and support units. Cross-border Tech Sanctions: Ukraine imposed sanctions on Belarusian defense/tech firms including Kidma Tech and TISA/Tissa, targeting optical equipment, missile-related work, cleanroom and lab infrastructure, and related components. Tech Talent & Mobility: Poland opened a special procedure for Belarusians lacking educational documents to apply to universities via SYRENA, with universities able to waive certified-document requirements when documents can’t be obtained for reasons beyond applicants’ control. AI for Batteries: ELECTRA AI’s EVE-Ai Battery Fleet Analytics was selected by TapFin to add battery-level intelligence for lenders, OEMs, and operators in India.

Counter-Drone Push: Lukashenko says Belarus may develop a “universal” anti-drone system, and links it to the new Academy of Intellectual Technologies. New Tech Education: The Academy will admit up to 150 students a year (10–15 per program) across natural sciences, engineering tech, and digital tech (AI and digital finance), with students assigned to companies and graduates tied to at least a five-year contract. Military Expansion: Belarus is expanding the 37th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade near Ukraine with a second maneuver battalion plus artillery, air defense, reconnaissance, and support units. Defense Sanctions: Ukraine sanctions Belarusian defense/tech firms Kidma Tech and TISA (Tissa), targeting missile-related and optical/defense supply roles. AI for Batteries: ELECTRA AI’s battery-intelligence platform is selected by India’s TapFin to add battery health and remaining-useful-life analytics for lenders and OEMs. Rail Modernization: Belarusian Railways plans 30 new passenger carriages and 100 freight wagons in 2026, with upgrades to signaling and communications and growing digital ticket use. Border Tech: Lithuania plans to buy tunnel-detection technology for its border after tests with Polish equipment.

Border Tech & EW: Germany’s Bundeswehr is running electronic warfare monitoring along the Belarusian border in Lithuania, using antenna-equipped vehicles to scan the electromagnetic spectrum and jam communications during key moments. Sanctions & Defence Supply Chains: Ukraine’s NSDC-backed sanctions hit 23 companies and 20 individuals tied to Russia’s defence industry, including Belarus-linked optical and missile-repair firm Kidma Tech and Rostec-linked Morozov Plant. Rail & Digital Transport: Belarusian Railways plans 30 new passenger carriages and 100 freight wagons in 2026, with upgrades to tracks, signaling, centralized traffic control, and communications; nearly 45% of tickets are already bought via digital services. Storm Response: Lukashenka received a report on severe weather in Hrodna, Brest and Minsk regions, including crop damage, flooded streets, and rapid power restoration—while officials admitted shortcomings in storm-front assessment and called for tighter cooperation with Belhydromet and the National Academy of Sciences. Cross-Border Tensions: Belarus says Latvia’s suspension of the Pāternieki border crossing is politically motivated and threatens “asymmetrical” retaliation. Defence Innovation in the Baltics: Baltic startups are pushing drone guidance and other counter-hybrid tech to help NATO’s eastern flank cope with GPS jamming and attacks. Infrastructure Security: Lithuania plans to buy tunnel-detection technology for its Belarus border after tests (with Polish equipment) reportedly found an underground passage.

Belarus–Latvia Border Tensions: Belarus’ foreign ministry says Latvia’s sudden suspension of the Pāternieki crossing is “politically motivated,” dismissing a “technical failure” claim and warning of asymmetrical retaliation tied to upcoming elections. Rail Tech & Transport: Belarusian Railways plans to buy 30 new passenger carriages and 100 freight wagons in 2026, with upgrades to tracks, signaling, centralized traffic control, and communications using new data transmission tech; about 45% of passengers already use digital ticket services. Storm Response & Infrastructure Resilience: Emergency Situations Minister Vadzim Sinyauski briefed Lukashenka on July/August storm damage in Hrodna, Brest and Minsk, including crop losses, roof damage, fallen trees, and power outages restored to nearly all affected communities within 12 hours—while admitting shortcomings in storm-front assessment and calling for tighter work with Belhydromet and the National Academy of Sciences. Defense Tech on the Frontier: Lithuania says it will acquire tunnel-detection technology after tests (borrowed from Poland) found an unfinished underground passage near the border; officials report more than a dozen suspected tunneling attempts recently. Baltic Startup Deterrence: A report highlights Baltic founders building drone guidance and other defense-related tech to counter GPS jamming and hybrid threats linked to Russia and Belarus. Space/Comms Angle: A separate piece revisits Belarus’ long-running communications satellite role, alleging it supports Russian missile strike timing and targeting via China’s satellite network.

Belarus–Russia tech & security links: A report says Belarus’ only communications satellite, built by China and operated from Minsk, is tied to Russian missile-strike timing and targeting, with Ukrainian intelligence pointing to its role inside Beijing’s fast-growing space network. Transport modernization: Belarusian Railways plans to buy 30 new passenger carriages and 100 freight wagons in 2026, with the first 15 passenger units for the Minsk–Moscow route due by Sept. 1, alongside upgrades to signaling and communications and a growing share of digital ticketing. Border tech arms race: Lithuania will acquire tunnel-detection equipment after tests (supplied via Poland) spotted underground digging attempts near the Belarus border, with authorities saying more than a dozen attempts were identified recently. Media & data governance pressure: Lithuania is reviewing a Belarus-linked businessman’s residency after an OCCRP/Buro investigation alleged apps marketed as Lithuanian send user data to servers in Belarus and Russia. AI alliance politics: A new China-led World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) is framed as a counter to the U.S.-backed Pax Silica Alliance, highlighting how AI and semiconductors are becoming geopolitical blocs. 5G expansion: MTS Belarus expands 5G roaming to 36 countries.

Border Tech & Security: Lithuania says it will buy Polish-made equipment that detects ground vibrations from digging, after trials helped uncover an unfinished tunnel near the Belarus border; authorities report more than a dozen suspected tunnel attempts, with completed ones eliminated. Baltic Defense Startups: A report highlights how Baltic founders are building drone guidance and other defense tech to counter hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus, aiming to strengthen deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank. Cyber & Data Risks: Lithuania is reviewing a Belarusian businessman’s residency after an investigation alleged Belarus-linked mobile apps may transmit user data to Belarus/Russia servers, prompting reassessment by security agencies. Belarus Tech Ecosystem (Telecom): MTS Belarus expands 5G roaming to 36 countries, signaling continued regional connectivity upgrades. Software Supply-Chain Threats: Google and Mandiant warn of rising attacks targeting open source repositories and developer tools, including campaigns that steal credentials and pivot into broader environments. Defense Cooperation: Pakistan and Belarus agree to deepen defense ties, including joint training, exercises, technological collaboration, and defense industrial partnership.

Baltic Defense Tech Push: A Lithuanian drone-precision startup, Pdkinematics, is building guidance systems designed to work even when GPS is jammed—part of a wider Baltic effort to harden defenses against hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus. Lithuanian Sanctions on Belarus-Linked Tech & Data: Lithuania is reviewing a Belarusian businessman’s residency after an OCCRP/Buro investigation alleged several popular mobile apps were developed/maintained in Belarus and sent user data to Belarus/Russia, prompting a security-status reassessment by the State Security Department. Cyber Supply Chain Security: Google Threat Intelligence Group and Mandiant warn that open-source software supply chain attacks are rising, with campaigns targeting repositories, dependencies, and developer tools (including worm-like spread across ecosystems). Belarus-Linked Telecom/5G Expansion: MTS Belarus expands 5G roaming to 36 countries, signaling continued regional connectivity growth. Security Cooperation (Defense Tech Angle): Pakistan and Belarus agreed to deepen defense collaboration, including joint training, exercises, technological cooperation, and defense-industrial partnerships. Regional Tech-Policy Pressure: Lithuania proposes barring pro-Kremlin Russian/Belarusian figures from public roles in education, science, culture, sport, and entertainment, plus limits on property near strategic sites. Platform Safety & Enforcement: Australia filed legal action against Telegram over alleged failure to remove extremist content, testing the country’s platform responsibility law.

Lithuania Tightens Sanctions on Belarus/Russia Ties: Lithuania proposes new restrictions on Russian and Belarusian nationals who back the Moscow/Minsk regimes, including bans on public work in education, science, culture, sport and entertainment, plus limits on property purchases near military and security sites—framed as a move to block “soft power” propaganda. Lithuania Reviews Belarusian App Developer Residency: Lithuania is rechecking the legal status of Belarus-linked businessman Andrei Shimanovich after an OCCRP/Buro investigation alleged mobile apps marketed as Lithuanian were developed/maintained in Belarus and sometimes sent user data to Belarus/Russia, prompting a security-agency reassessment. Wildberries Security and Losses: Wildberries CEO Tatiana Kim says drone attacks on its logistics have caused billions in losses across multiple countries and that the firm is continuously upgrading warehouse defenses and fire safety, including new fire brigades and equipment. Fertilizer Supply Shock Reminder: Commentary highlights how Strait of Hormuz disruptions can hit fertilizer flows—after earlier shocks including sanctions affecting Belarus potassium—raising food-price risk. Belarus–Pakistan Defense Tech Cooperation: Pakistan and Belarus reaffirm plans for deeper defense collaboration, including joint training, exercises, technological cooperation and defense-industrial partnerships. Open-Source Supply Chain Attacks: Google/Mandiant warn of rising software supply chain compromises targeting open source repositories, with campaigns using developer tooling and credential-stealing payloads.