All trends
Belarus-West relations
The regime threatens Afghan refugees, nuclear weapons and the suspension of gas transit, the West – with new sanctions
December 13 – December 19
Belarusian regime has introduced counter-sanctions against the West
December 6 – December 12
In response to new sanctions from the West, the Lukashenka regime is trading in sovereignty and the Russian threat
November 29 – December 5
Despite the de-escalation of the migration crisis, the West is increasing sanctions pressure
November 22 – November 28
The EU opens technical dialogue with the Belarusian regime but does not recognise its legitimacy
November 15 – November 21
Belarusian regime responds by escalating to the preparation of the 5th package of EU sanctions, the West seeks support from Russia
November 8 – November 14
The EU has agreed the criteria for the fifth package of sanctions, but does not exclude dialogue with the Belarusian regime
November 1 – November 7
As the fifth package of EU sanctions approaches, Minsk looks for mediators for dialogue with the West
October 25 – October 31
EU finalizes the preparation of new sanctions, Minsk goes on counteroffensive
October 18 – October 24
The EU will adopt the fifth package of sanctions in November; the Belarusian regime continues diplomacy in the “far abroad”
October 11 – October 17
The West contemplates increasing sanctions pressure as Minsk tries to restart the distant arc of foreign policy
October 4 – October 10
Minsk’s back door diplomacy fails as the West intensifies criticism of the regime for conducting a hybrid war and orchestrating a humanitarian crisis
September 27 – October 3
The Belarusian crisis remains on the agenda of the West; new sanctions are on the way
September 20 – September 26
The Belarus crisis remains under the Western spotlight as the Lukashenka regime flirts with de-escalation
September 13 – September 19
Increased sanctions pressure pushes Minsk to break through foreign policy isolation in relations with the West
September 6 – September 12
The fifth package of European sanctions is on the way, the Belarusian regime is becoming toxic even for China
August 30 – September 5
The migration crisis becomes a source of irritation for new EU countries
August 23 – August 29
The EU is preparing to strengthen sanctions due to the migration crisis, and within the political situation, the Belarusian regime is sending ambiguous signals
August 16 – August 22
Western allies synchronise sanctions pressure; Lukashenka does not rule out negotiations but rejects preconditions
August 9 – August 15
Migration tidal wave against the EU fails, US and allies plan new sanctions on the anniversary of the Belarusian protests
August 2 – August 8
As the EU formulates conditions for the lifting of sanctions, U.S. plans additional sanctions
July 26 – August 1
Burning bridges with the West
July 19 – July 25
A New Wave of Repression in Belarus Provokes Negative Reaction of the West
July 12 – July 18
Regime tries to retaliate against Western sanctions
July 5 – July 11
Escalating tensions with the West assumes new dynamics
June 28 – July 4
The EU imposes additional economic sanctions
June 21 – June 27
Western sanctions pressure increases
June 14 – June 20
Conflict with the West: no end in sight
June 7 – June 13
Conflict with EU and US continues to expand and intensify
May 31 – June 6
West: air blockade and more sanctions
May 24 – May 30
Minsk continues to exacerbate conflict with the West by raiding TUT.BY and hijacking an airliner
May 17 – May 23
All Quiet on the Western Front
May 10 – May 16
All bleak on the Western Front
May 3 – May 9
Minsk believes it has nothing to lose
April 26 – May 2
The US strengthens sanctions policy, EU prepares fourth sanctions package
April 19 – April 25
Another round of conflict with the West
April 12 – April 18
No glimmer of light in the escalating confrontation with the West
April 5 – April 11