AGP Executive Report

Belarus Tech & Governance: The Council of Ministers approved a unified registry of “numerical regulatory indicators” across Belarusian legal acts, to be run by the National Center for Legislation and Legal Information and published on the National Legal Internet Portal from Aug 1. Belarus Telecom: MTS Belarus expanded 5G roaming to 46 mobile operators across 36 countries, with service now available in 18 EU/EEA states plus additional regions. Digital Security (Belarus-linked): RESIDENT.NGO reports a personalized Telegram phishing campaign hitting Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, using fake login pages that request authentication codes; one Belarusian activist targeted from Lithuania is named in coverage. Regional Tech & Innovation: The CIS Permanent Representatives met in Minsk to prepare October summits in Turkmenistan, including plans tied to digital transformation and regional cooperation. Tech Policy Context: EU sanctions coverage this week highlights tighter pressure on Russia-linked crypto infrastructure, including stablecoin networks and exchanges.

AI Governance & Diplomacy: China-backed countries including Belarus helped launch the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai, aiming to set AI governance and capacity-building rules without Western participation. Mobile Connectivity: MTS Belarus expanded 5G roaming to 36 countries via 46 operator networks, with service now available across parts of the EU/EEA and beyond. Crypto Sanctions: The EU added new targets tied to the A7A5 ruble-backed stablecoin network and the HTX exchange, tightening pressure on Russia-linked crypto infrastructure. Belarus Tech & Security Links: A Reuters report says Ukraine’s prosecutor may face a request to open criminal proceedings against Lukashenko over alleged war-crimes and “state terror” allegations tied to Russia’s invasion. Regional Digital Transformation: A new report argues Western Balkan digital transformation needs tech-driven ecosystems, private-sector involvement, and EU-aligned collaboration. 5G/Standards Angle: The WAICO move is framed as part of a broader pattern of non-Western countries building their own tech standards and governance structures.

5G Expansion: MTS Belarus says it has broadened 5G roaming to 46 operators across 36 countries, with service now live in 18 EU/EEA states and more destinations planned. AI Governance: A new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was launched in Shanghai by 29 countries, including Belarus, aiming to set AI governance and capacity-building rules—while Western democracies largely stayed out. Cybersecurity & Sanctions: The US OFAC sanctioned a Belarus-linked alleged “cryptor” service provider tied to ransomware infrastructure, underscoring Belarus’s role in cybercrime supply chains. Digital Safety: Resident NGO reports a Telegram phishing campaign targeting an exiled Belarusian activist and users in Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan, using personalized links to steal Telegram login codes. Belarus Tech Policy: Belarus introduced new gambling rules banning citizens from sending money to overseas online casinos and tightening identity checks for operators. Cross-border Tech/Infrastructure: Latvia is extending border fortification works on a 42 km stretch, with swampy sections requiring special engineering and some handovers pushed to 2027. Legal/Travel Tech: Montenegro aligned its visa regime with the EU, adding Belarus to visa-required countries from Nov 1, 2026, with applications routed via VFS centers.

Belarus telecom: MTS Belarus expanded its 5G roaming to 36 countries (46 operator networks), with service now available across 18 EU/EEA states and more destinations planned. CIS coordination in Minsk: CIS Permanent Representatives met in Minsk to prepare October summits in Turkmenistan, including agendas for foreign ministers and heads of state, with a focus on digital transformation and regional cooperation. Belarusian legal status abroad: Tsikhanouskaya’s Office responded to growing “legalization” problems for Belarusians in Poland and Ukraine, where protection refusals and residence-permit renewals without passports are becoming a bottleneck. Cybercrime pressure: OFAC sanctions Belarus-linked cybercrime enablers tied to ransomware infrastructure, signaling continued pressure on VPN/“cryptor” services. AI governance signal: A new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was launched in Shanghai by 29 countries including Belarus, positioning itself as a Global South platform for AI governance and capacity building. Belarus gambling rules: New Belarus regulations ban citizens from transferring money to overseas-based online casinos and tighten identity checks for operators. Regional security tech context: Latvia is extending border infrastructure work on a 42 km stretch with difficult swampy terrain, with some segments due only in 2027.

AI Governance & Diplomacy: TICON Africa says the new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) could help build AI expertise and deepen ties with China, with 29 countries including Belarus among the founders. Belarus Tech & Infrastructure: VTB says it will create a registry of cadastral engineers to speed real-estate transactions and reduce land-boundary and document discrepancies. Cybersecurity: OFAC sanctioned a Belarus-linked “cryptor” services provider tied to ransomware infrastructure, while Resident NGO reports a Telegram phishing campaign targeting an exiled Belarusian activist and users in Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Belarus Regulation: Belarus introduced new gambling rules, banning citizens from transferring money to overseas online casinos and tightening identity checks for players. EU Pressure on Belarus Tech/People: Lithuania proposes broader entry restrictions for Russians and Belarusians tied to support for the war, including limits affecting education and science events. Microelectronics Under Strain: A fire at Belarus’ Integral plant—making electronics for military and space tech—was reported in Minsk, with causes still unclear. Connectivity in Crisis: A report explores LoRa mesh networks as a way to keep communications running during government internet shutdowns.

EU Sanctions: The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package, the biggest in four years, targeting Russia’s finance, energy, crypto and military-industrial sectors, with parallel measures affecting Belarus. Lithuanian Border Controls: Lithuania is proposing tighter entry rules for Russian and Belarusian citizens tied to support for the war, including bans for certain public events in education, science, culture, sports and entertainment, plus restrictions on buying property near strategic sites. Belarus Telecom Repair: MTS announced a tender to restore a damaged base station in the Homiel region after reports of relay tower destruction, with engineering drawings and a listed cost of about 700,000 rubles. Belarus Microelectronics at Risk: A fire broke out at the Integral plant in Minsk, a key Belarusian microelectronics maker supplying radiation-hardened components used in military and space tech. AI & War Ethics: A UN push to ban lethal autonomous weapons (“killer robots”) is gaining attention as governments and AI leaders debate regulation. Space/Disaster Links: Slavutych (Chornobyl) and Fukushima’s Futaba community formed an alliance to address long-term recovery and stigma.

EU Sanctions Push: The EU adopted its 21st sanctions package on Russia, the biggest in four years, adding 218 new listings and tightening controls on finance, energy, crypto services, shadow-fleet shipping, and military-industrial suppliers; it also extends parallel measures against Belarus, including actions tied to Belarusian oil exports. Belarus Telecom Repair: MTS announced a tender to restore a damaged 39-meter base station in Homiel Region’s Lelchytsy District after reports of relay tower destruction. Belarus Microelectronics at Risk: A fire broke out at the Integral plant in Minsk, a major Belarusian microelectronics producer supplying electronics used in Russian military and space technology. Connectivity Under Pressure: A report argues “mesh networks” using LoRa-style radio links could help people keep communicating during government internet shutdowns. SCO Diplomacy: Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar met Belarus’s Maxim Ryzhenkov on SCO sidelines, discussing defense, agriculture, technology, and workforce exchange under a 2025–2027 roadmap. Belarus-Iran Signal: Ryzhenkov also met Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming support for Iran’s sovereignty during SCO foreign ministers’ talks.

Belarusian microelectronics under strain: A fire broke out at the Integral plant in Minsk, which makes electronics for Russian cruise and ballistic missiles; reports say dozens of rescue units responded and officials cite a blaze in an attic, with preliminary claims of no casualties. EU sanctions tighten the screws: The EU adopted its 21st Russia package and parallel Belarus measures, expanding asset freezes and export controls tied to finance, energy, crypto and the “shadow fleet,” including new listings that also hit Belarus-linked oil and defense supply chains. Homiel telecom repair tender: MTS announced a tender to restore a damaged 39-meter base station in Lelchytsy District after reports of infrastructure strikes in the Polesia region, with engineering drawings included in the procurement. Sanctions proposal in Lithuania: Lithuania’s foreign ministry floated tougher restrictions on Belarusian and Russian citizens, including entry bans tied to support for aggression and participation in activities linked to occupied Ukrainian territories. Connectivity tech angle: A report explores how LoRa-based mesh radio networks could help during government internet shutdowns, using Iran’s 2026 blackout as a case study. Diplomacy with a tech-and-trade lens: Pakistan’s foreign minister met Belarus’s Maxim Ryzhenkov on SCO sidelines, discussing cooperation in defense, agriculture, technology and workforce exchange.

Belarus–China Diplomacy: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Belarusian counterpart Maxim Ryzhenkov in Kyrgyzstan ahead of the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting, reaffirming the “all-weather” partnership and plans for deeper cooperation ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. SCO Cooperation Push: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar also met Ryzhenkov on SCO sidelines, agreeing to expand Belarus–Pakistan cooperation in defence, agriculture, technology and workforce exchange, with the next joint ministerial commission session planned for Aug. 11–12 in Islamabad. Belarus–Iran Positioning: Ryzhenkov told Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi that Belarus backs Iran’s sovereignty and rejects external interference, while also highlighting Pakistan’s mediation role in the Persian Gulf. EU Sanctions Hit Tech-Adjacent Sectors: The EU adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package with parallel Belarus measures, expanding restrictions on finance, energy, crypto and military-industrial supply chains, including new listings tied to Belarusian oil and defence-linked firms. Belarus Microelectronics Under Fire: A fire at the Integral plant in Minsk—an electronics maker supplying components for Russian missiles—raised questions about damage and causes, with officials citing an attic blaze. Connectivity Under Pressure: A report on “mesh networks” and LoRa radio systems argues such tech could help maintain communications during government internet shutdowns, relevant to Belarus’s broader digital resilience debate.

Microelectronics & defense supply chain: A fire broke out at Belarus’ Integral plant in Minsk, which makes electronics for Russian cruise and ballistic missiles; officials said it was in an attic area, with no casualties reported so far. Connectivity under censorship: A report explores whether LoRa mesh networks could help people keep communicating during government internet shutdowns, using Iran’s January blackout as a reference case. EU sanctions hit Belarus tech-adjacent sectors: The EU adopted its 21st Russia package and parallel Belarus measures, expanding asset freezes and export controls; Belarus-linked targets include the Mozyr refinery and additional defense-industry entities, while EU rules also bar Belarusian residents from owning or managing MiCA-regulated crypto-asset service providers from Aug. 25. Regional diplomacy with a tech angle: Belarus’ FM Maxim Ryzhenkov met Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar on SCO sidelines, while China’s Wang Yi met Ryzhenkov ahead of SCO foreign ministers’ talks, signaling continued partnership momentum. Sports-tech showcase: Future Games 2026 in Astana (July 29–Aug 9) brings “phygital” basketball plus esports teams and tech-focused spectator zones.

EU Sanctions: The EU adopted its 21st Russia package on July 23, adding 218 new listings (48 people, 170 entities) and tightening controls across finance, energy, crypto and the military-industrial sector, including measures tied to LNG and the oil price cap, plus expanded action against Russia’s shadow fleet and services that support it. Belarus Crypto Clampdown: From Aug. 25, Belarusian nationals and residents will be barred from owning or managing any EU MiCA-regulated crypto-asset service providers, extending earlier limits beyond wallets and custody. Belarus Sanctions Hit Industry: The EU also added Belarus’s Mazyr Oil Refinery and several defense-linked firms to its sanctions lists, expanding technology supply bans. Cyber Security: Western agencies warned about Russian state-aligned “Laundry Bear” zero-click phishing targeting Zimbra webmail, with prior focus on Ukrainian targets before broader rollout. Belarus Tech & Privacy Risk: An OCCRP investigation says a set of Lithuania-branded mobile apps may actually be developed and supported in Belarus (and sometimes Russia), raising surveillance concerns for political exiles. Regional Tech/Policy Context: Belarus reaffirmed support for Iran at the SCO, while China’s FM met Belarus’s counterpart ahead of SCO foreign ministers’ talks.

EU Sanctions: The EU adopted its 21st Russia package, adding 218 new listings and expanding pressure on banks, crypto services, energy and the shadow fleet—Belarus-linked targets include Mazyr Oil Refinery and several defense-industry firms, while EU rules also tighten crypto-asset restrictions affecting Belarusian citizens and service providers. Crypto Crackdown: Brussels also introduced a “full third-country ban” tool that can block entire jurisdictions from crypto transactions in the EU if they’re seen as helping Russia evade sanctions, with crypto-asset services flagged across multiple countries including Belarus. China–Belarus Diplomacy: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Belarusian counterpart Maxim Ryzhenkov ahead of the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting, reaffirming “all-weather” partnership and cooperation plans. Belarus–Russia Border Incident: Belarusian beef was seized at the Russian border after inspectors found it lacked proper veterinary and shipping documents; samples were sent for lab testing. Belarusian Online Censorship: Belarus added several social media accounts—including pages tied to the College of Eastern Europe—to its “extremist materials” list, citing a Brest court decision. Cybersecurity Alert: Western agencies warned of Russian state-aligned hackers (Laundry Bear) using zero-click phishing against Zimbra webmail, with prior targeting of Ukrainian entities. Tech & Surveillance Apps: An investigation says popular Lithuania-based mobile apps may actually be developed in Belarus and send user data to Belarus (and sometimes Russia), raising risks for political exiles. SCO Counter-Terror Push: Ishaq Dar urged SCO members to press the Taliban to honor counter-terrorism commitments, linking regional stability to ending terrorism from Afghan soil.

EU Sanctions: The EU agreed its 21st Russia package, adding 218 new listings and hitting 14 crypto platforms plus 94 banks, while also expanding pressure on the “shadow fleet” and even vessels that refuel it at sea. Belarus Tech & Cyber: A report says popular Lithuania-listed mobile apps may actually be developed and supported from Belarus, with code and identifiers pointing to data flows that could enable surveillance of political exiles. Belarus Diplomacy: China’s FM Wang Yi met Belarus’s Maxim Ryzhenkov ahead of the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting, stressing “all-weather” partnership and the 35th anniversary of ties. Health Cooperation: BRICS health ministers adopted a declaration and backed mental-wellness “centres of excellence,” with NIMHANS in Bengaluru coordinating. Tech/Space Security: Coverage highlights Russia’s Nudol anti-satellite program details and renewed concerns about debris and foreign-made components. Local Tech/Industry: Lukashenka awarded Savushkin Product the Order of Labor Glory for food processing output. Science & Society: Belarusian documentary filmmaker Yury Khashchavatski died; his work included politically sensitive documentaries.

Belarus-linked surveillance apps: An OCCRP investigation says mobile apps marketed as Lithuanian-made (e.g., Nicegram, eSIM Plus) may actually be developed and supported in Belarus, sending user data to Belarus and sometimes Russia—raising concerns they could be used to watch political exiles. EU sanctions push: The EU approved its 21st Russia sanctions package, framed as the biggest in four years, targeting banks, crypto operators, shadow fleet vessels, and energy/defense-industrial actors tied to Russia’s war economy, with Belarus included in the scope. Border hybrid pressure: Latvia says there’s no direct military threat from Russia but warns of hybrid operations and sabotage; it also describes a recent border incident on the Belarus front involving tear gas and a warning shot. Belarus IP law update: Lukashenka signed a law to streamline procedures for legal protection of intellectual property, including faster trademark/industrial property registration and rules on author remuneration for certain uses. Belarus research & education in exile: A roundtable discussed whether a fully fledged Belarusian university in exile can be built, weighing models that combine education, research, and recognized academic status. Sports eligibility dispute: World Athletics kept Russian and Belarusian track athletes banned despite IOC changes, prompting appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Belarus IP Update: Aliaksandr Lukashenka signed a law to streamline administrative procedures for protecting intellectual property, including faster trademark and industrial property registration and rules on remuneration for authors of scientific works, inventions, designs, plant varieties, integrated circuit topologies, and trade secrets. Belarus Education & Science in Exile: A roundtable titled “Belarusian University in Exile” discussed whether a fully fledged Belarusian university abroad can be created, weighing models that could combine education, a Belarus studies center, and partnerships with European universities. Belarus Tech & Talent: Lukashenka again included his son Mikalai in presidential scholarships for gifted students; the order allocates 758,000 BYN for scholarships and awards for university students, Olympiad laureates, school pupils, and teachers. AI Governance Watch: China announced a 29-country AI coalition and the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), with Belarus named among participants, pushing for open collaboration plus safety and human oversight. Cybersecurity Brief: A weekly roundup flags a new WordPress Core flaw chain that can turn anonymous requests into code execution, urging fast patching.

Belarus–Indonesia Trade: Belarusian firms signed contracts worth about $76m to ship milk powder to Indonesia, including supplies for the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program; Minsk targets 20,000 tons by end-2026 as production is expected to rise to 12m tons this year. Belarus IP & Admin Reform: Aliaksandr Lukashenka signed a law to streamline procedures for protecting intellectual property, including faster handling of trademark and industrial property registrations and rules for author remuneration for use of scientific works and inventions. Road Safety Tech & Training: Belarus is considering more practical driving lessons plus interactive simulators to cut crashes, with added measures like wildlife fencing, deterrent systems (light/sound/lasers), wildlife crossings, and expanded automated traffic enforcement. Belarus Science in Exile: A roundtable discussed options for creating a Belarusian university in exile, weighing a compact research-university model with Belarus studies and partnerships with European universities. Human Rights: Belarusian groups recognized Yury Trashchynski as a political prisoner after his 2025 detention and a 2.5-year sentence tied to cooperation with Radio Racyja. Cryptography (Belarus-linked research): A Belarus-affiliated researcher co-authored a post-quantum hybrid hash design whose collision resistance relies on two separate hard problems.