AGP Executive Report

Olympics & Politics: The IOC defended its provisional move to lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee after nine EU states urged the EU to stop funding sports bodies that readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes, saying the decision is “provisional” and not a broader shift. Belarusian Arts: Vitebsk’s Slavianski Bazaar festival opened “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court,” a Belarus National Museum exhibition running until 16 August. Belarusian Media Crackdown: Belarus added the Instagram page Blizko.by to its “Republican List of Extremist Materials,” deleting the account after the court decision. Belarusian Youth Under Pressure: Hrodna blogger Mikhail Dragun, detained after a fundraiser for a seriously ill child, was sentenced to 1.5 years; his defense plans to appeal. Sports Governance: Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada urged the IOC to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes suspended until the war ends, including an independent review of ROC ties to occupied Ukrainian territories. Work & Migration: Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakou said Belarus will brief Uzbek workers on local laws from the airport after reports of pay and conditions disputes. Economy Snapshot: Belstat reported Belarus’s median wage at 2,314.9 roubles in May 2026.

Belarus Media Under “Extremism” Label: Belarus added multiple outlets and social pages to the “Republican List of Extremist Materials,” including the Instagram account of Blizko.by (deleted after a Minsk court decision), plus several Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Dzen, Threads and TikTok pages, and the film “How We Were Betrayed. Belarus 2020.” Sports Diplomacy Shifts: The International Handball Federation provisionally lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian teams and officials, citing alignment with the IOC’s latest recommendations—while EU states push back, urging the EU to cut funding to the IOC and other federations over readmission decisions. IOC Defends Move: The IOC said the ROC reinstatement is provisional and not a broader policy change, stressing it must preserve a “values-based” global platform. Belarus in the Spotlight via Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka’s return to Minsk sparked online debate as fans questioned her long-held “neutral” stance after her warm welcome and public appearances. Minsk Court Over Photo Rights: A Minsk court ordered compensation for stickers using a sports club chairman’s photos without permission, reinforcing personal data and image protections.

Belarus Culture & Heritage: A Belarus-linked arts cooperation push is underway as Zimbabwe’s cabinet approved memoranda with Belarus on joint exhibitions, museum and folklore exchanges, film, festivals, traditional crafts, music and dance, plus heritage protection and restoration. Sports Politics: Nine EU countries are urging the European Commission to cut funding (including Erasmus+) for sports bodies that moved to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes, targeting the IOC, World Aquatics and fencing’s federation—setting up a new fight with the Olympic movement ahead of LA 2028. Belarus in the Spotlight: Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka’s return to Minsk has sparked online controversy, with fans challenging her long-held “neutral” stance after her warm welcome and public appearances. Art Returns to Belarus: The MALDZIS initiative bought a Paris School painting by Yakov Balgley (“Portrait of a Girl”) in Germany, planning to transfer it to Belarus. Belarus Repression & Culture: Viasna reports that several Belarusian clothing and applied-arts stores/brands have shut down, with one owner detained and questioned over social ties—another blow to local cultural life. Minsk Courts: A Minsk court upheld damages over stickers using a fitness club chairman’s photos without permission, ordering compensation and costs. International Security Echoes: Latvia’s president warned Russia may shift to sabotage and hybrid pressure as battlefield momentum changes, with the Baltic states facing a crucial period. Fuel Shock Across Region: Kyrgyzstan introduced an indefinite ban on exporting crude oil and petroleum products by road and rail to protect domestic supply, reflecting wider Central Asian strain tied to Russia’s fuel disruptions.

Belarusian Culture Under Pressure: A Minsk clothing brand and other stores tied to national symbols and applied arts have closed, with Viasna reporting the owner of one outlet was detained and later ordered to shut down—another blow to Belarusian culture amid ongoing “extremism” bans. Belarusian Media Crackdown: Belarusian court decisions declared Naviband’s social media accounts “extremist,” alongside books and multiple online pages, reinforcing the pressure on independent arts and public expression. Tennis & Public Backlash: Aryna Sabalenka’s return to Belarus after Wimbledon sparked online controversy, as fans questioned her long-held “neutral” stance after her warm welcome in Minsk. Art Returning Home: The MALDZIS initiative bought Yakov Balgley’s “Portrait of a Girl” at auction in Germany, with plans to transfer the painting back to Belarus. EU vs IOC Funding: Nine EU countries urged the European Commission to cut funding for sports bodies including the IOC after Russia and Belarus athletes were readmitted, arguing sport is being used for political influence. Sports Reinstatements: The ITTF lifted restrictions for Russian (and Belarus) table tennis participation from late July, following the IOC’s provisional easing. Regional Fuel Shock: Russia’s fuel crisis is hitting Central Asia and Belarus-linked supply chains, with Kyrgyzstan and others facing shortages as refinery disruptions and export bans ripple outward.

Belarus Culture Under Pressure: Belarusian court declared Naviband’s social media accounts “extremist,” alongside books by Stanislau Shushkevich and quotes by Sviatlana Alexievich, plus a long list of Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, Odnoklassniki and Facebook pages—another step in tightening cultural space. Local Fashion Scene Hit: Minsk clothing brand LSTR Adzieńnie is closing after 15 years, a blow to the “soft Belarusianisation” wave that turned language, history and city symbols into streetwear. Applied Arts Targeted: Viasna reports several Belarusian stores and brands (including Honar, LSTR Adzenne and Ragna) have shut down; one owner was detained and questioned over social media contacts before being ordered to close. Music Access at Risk: Belarus tax authorities again hinted at blocking Spotify, warning a foreign music provider about unpaid VAT and threatening “surprises” that could lead to service disruption and refund claims. Sports Politics Spillover: Nine EU countries urged the EU to cut funding to the IOC and other federations after Russia/Belarus athletes were readmitted, arguing sport is being used as political influence. Humanitarian Alarm: Reports say Afghanistan asylum seekers deported from Poland were transferred without adequate protection guarantees, raising fresh EU-rights concerns.

Belarusian Culture in Focus: Minsk’s LSTR Adzieńnie streetwear brand says it’s closing its doors, ending a 15-year run that helped popularize “soft Belarusianisation” through urban symbols, Belarusian language, and cult pop-culture drops. Music & Media Pressure: Belarusian tax authorities again hint at blocking Spotify, warning a foreign music provider over unpaid VAT and teasing “surprises” that could trigger refund claims. Arts Under Fire: In Homiel, a local newspaper editor publicly attacked the Drozdzy band over its Independence Day performance—then posted a “repentance” video after backlash from the musicians and fans. Censorship & Expression: A Belarus court declared Naviband’s social media accounts “extremist,” alongside a long list of books and online pages, underscoring how arts and culture can get swept into political crackdowns. Sports & Identity: World sport politics keeps spilling over—IOC moves around Russian athletes spark fresh criticism, including from Ukraine’s sports leadership, as Belarusian athletes like Aryna Sabalenka respond to online backlash during summer breaks.

Belarusian Culture & Fashion: Minsk’s LSTR Adzieńnie streetwear brand is closing after 15 years, ending a “soft Belarusianisation” era of hats, tees and urban-symbol collections. Music & Media: Belarus tax authorities again hint at blocking Spotify, warning a foreign music provider over unpaid VAT and promising “surprises” that could trigger refund claims. Arts Under Pressure: In Homiel, a propagandist editor apologised to the Drozdzy band after calling them “traitors” over Independence Day politics—an unusual public backtrack that the band turned into a repentance video. Online Expression: A new report highlights how social posts can lead to arrests, showing free speech lines getting blurry even beyond classic authoritarian hotspots. Belarusian Theatre: Kupala Theatre actor Ivan Kushniaruk has died at 34; he joined the troupe in 2015 and was active in independent projects. Sports & Identity: Aryna Sabalenka hit back at critics during her Mykonos break with humor, defending her right to rest after Wimbledon. Culture as Resistance: An Amsterdam performance in September will use cardboard masks of Belarusian political prisoners and household percussion to build a collective sound for freedom.

Belarus Arts & Culture: Kupala Theatre actor Ivan Kushniaruk has died at 34; he joined the Minsk troupe in 2015 and later left with much of the company in 2020, while also working on independent projects, including “Guards at the Taj Mahal.” Belarusian Political Art: Performance artist and political prisoner Ales Pushkin died in Hrodna prison hospital on July 11, with activists alleging delayed medical help; a major art album about his work is planned for autumn 2026. International Arts for Belarus: Amsterdam is set to host a large-scale percussion performance on Sept. 19 with about 1,200 participants supporting Belarusian political prisoners; registration is open. Sports & Culture Politics: The IOC’s move to provisionally ease Russia-related restrictions is triggering backlash, while Russia’s athletics federation is taking its ban fight to CAS—an issue that also tangles Belarusian athletes in the wider debate. Local Traditions: A notice banning Kupalle celebrations appeared in a village near Vitsyebsk, sparking online debate over whether it’s a real police move or a “set-up.”

Belarusian Theatre: Kupala Theatre actor Ivan Kushniaruk, 34, has died; he joined the company in 2015 and appeared in productions including “Guards at the Taj Mahal,” leaving the theatre with much of the troupe after 2020. Belarusian Art Under Repression: Performance artist and political prisoner Ales Pushkin died in Hrodna prison at 57; activists say he received late medical help after a perforated ulcer, and an album on his work is planned for autumn 2026. Culture & Activism Abroad: An Amsterdam mass percussion performance (Sept 19) will unite about 1,200 participants using household items and cardboard masks with images of Belarusian political prisoners; registration is open, with a Sept 5 discussion featuring Ales Bialiatski. Sports & Identity: Aryna Sabalenka is back in the spotlight after Wimbledon, pushing back on critics while vacationing; meanwhile, IOC moves to ease Russia-related restrictions keep triggering backlash across Europe. Local Belarus Life: A notice banning Kupalle celebrations appeared in a village near Vitsyebsk, sparking online debate over whether it’s a police crackdown or a “set-up.” EU Politics: Czech Senate resolution calls for continued support to Belarus’s democratic forces and urges action on political prisoners and accountability.

IOC & Sport Politics: The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of Russia’s Olympic Committee and eased restrictions for Russian athletes toward LA 2028, while Ukraine’s sports minister called the move “particularly cynical” after missile strikes in Kyiv. Court Battles in Track & Field: Russia’s athletics federation has appealed World Athletics’ ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing discrimination; World Athletics says it will defend the suspension. Belarus in the Spotlight: Ukraine says Belarus is expanding military infrastructure along the border, even as Lukashenko repeats he won’t send Belarusians into the war. EU Sanctions, Bulgaria’s Role: Bulgaria won’t veto the EU’s 21st sanctions package but objects to adding Patriarch Kirill and to measures targeting Lukoil shareholder Vagit Alekperov, citing economic and metro-maintenance concerns. Arts & Culture on the Move: Lithuania’s curator helped evacuate Dutch masterpieces from Odesa amid bombardment, keeping them safe until return. Belarusian Media Under Pressure: Euroradio backed its editor-in-chief Yauhen Kazartsau after harassment claims tied to Myrotvorets. Local Arts Event Hit: Dudutki cancels the Our Grunwald 2026 reenactment festival, with organizers citing unforeseen circumstances. Tennis & Belarusian Star: Aryna Sabalenka hit back at critics after Wimbledon, posting poolside updates from Mykonos following her loss to Naomi Osaka.

IOC & Russian sport legal fight: Russia’s track-and-field federation has filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn World Athletics’ ban, as the IOC continues easing restrictions ahead of LA 2028 while other bodies keep tougher lines. EU funding pressure: Lawmakers in the EU are calling for a halt to IOC funding after the IOC’s move to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee and recommend broader athlete eligibility. Belarus in the spotlight: Ukraine says Belarus is expanding military infrastructure along the border, while Lukashenko repeats he won’t send Belarusians to fight in Ukraine. Belarusian arts & culture updates: Dudutki’s “Our Grunwald 2026” festival has been cancelled, and a Belarusian music and poetry evening is reported at OSTPOL in Berlin. Belarusian sports celebrity: Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, after her Wimbledon exit, pushes back on critics and shares holiday moments, while Sportico ranks Belarus’s Rybakina among the world’s highest-paid players. Media freedom: Euroradio backs its editor-in-chief Yauhen Kazartsau after harassment allegations and a Myrotvorets listing.

Belarus-Ukraine Frontline Watch: Ukraine says Belarus is continuing a border buildup with new training and logistics facilities, raising fresh fears of a second front. Lukashenko’s Balancing Act: Analysis notes Lukashenko keeps repeating Belarus won’t join Russia’s war, but Europe and Kyiv still watch for mounting pressure to do more. EU Sanctions Politics: Bulgaria won’t veto the EU’s 21st Russia-Belarus package, though it objects to adding Patriarch Kirill and wants Vagit Alekperov removed, citing risks for Lukoil and even Sofia’s metro maintenance. Media Freedom: Euroradio condemned harassment of its editor-in-chief Yauhen Kazartsau after he was targeted via Myrotvorets. Arts & Culture: Dudutki’s Our Grunwald 2026 reenactment festival has been cancelled, with organizers hinting at a possible reschedule. Sports Spotlight: Aryna Sabalenka hits back at critics after Wimbledon, while Sportico ranks Belarusian Sabalenka among the world’s highest-paid tennis players. International Sports Governance: Canada and others react sharply as the IOC eases restrictions for Russian athletes toward LA 2028, while World Athletics and biathlon keep bans in place. Belarusian Arts Diplomacy: Minsk hosted a summit with Uzbekistan that includes cultural cooperation, with a strategic partnership declaration and a trade-and-industry roadmap.

Belarus–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Minsk hosted a summit where Lukashenko and Mirziyoyev signed a Declaration upgrading ties to a “Strategic Partnership,” with a roadmap targeting $2bn trade and new projects in agriculture, industry, pharma, transport, and culture. Olympics & Sports Politics: The IOC provisionally eased restrictions on Russian athletes toward LA 2028, triggering backlash from Ukraine and calls from Estonia to cut EU funding to the IOC; meanwhile, World Athletics and the International Biathlon Union kept bans in place and Russia’s athletics federation filed appeals to CAS. Belarusian Arts & Culture: A Belarusian solo exhibition by artist Yury Shust is set to open at Zachęta, while “Festival of Hope” in Minsk drew 30,000 visitors with Christian music and major performers. Tennis Spotlight: Aryna Sabalenka, after Wimbledon exit, hit back at critics during a Mykonos holiday; Elena Rybakina was named among the world’s highest-paid players. Film & Screen: The Jerusalem Film Festival opened its 43rd edition with Sergei Loznitsa honored and more than 100 films on the program.

Belarus–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Minsk hosted talks where Lukashenko and Mirziyoyev signed a Declaration on Establishing Strategic Partnership Relations, upgrading cooperation across politics, trade, industry, energy, culture and humanitarian work, with a roadmap targeting $2bn in trade and new joint projects. Olympics & Sport Politics: Canada condemned the IOC’s move to provisionally ease Russia’s Olympic pathway for LA 2028, saying Ottawa won’t include Russian athletes in domestically funded events; Ukraine’s sports minister called the timing “cynical” after deadly strikes. Track & Field Fallout: Russia’s athletics federation appealed to CAS to overturn World Athletics’ continued ban on Russian and Belarusian track athletes, while other federations keep their own restrictions. Film & Culture: The 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival opened with 6,000 guests, honoring director Sergei Loznitsa and running through July 19 with 100+ films and international jurors. Wimbledon Spotlight: Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon run and Aryna Sabalenka’s comments kept tennis fans talking, as the tournament delivered more drama on and off court.

IOC Moves Russia Back Toward LA 2028: The IOC has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, opening the door for Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Games (with the flag and anthem still under review), triggering sharp backlash from Ukraine and European officials. World Athletics Fight Continues: Russia’s Athletics Federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after World Athletics kept its ban on Russian and Belarusian track-and-field athletes, calling the decision discriminatory. Canada Pushes Back: Canada says it objects to the IOC loosening Russia-related restrictions and won’t allow Russian athletes into any Ottawa-funded domestic events. Estonia Targets EU Funding: Estonia is urging the EU to cut funding to the IOC and other federations that enable Russia’s return, arguing sport can’t be “values-neutral” while the war in Ukraine continues. Belarus-EU Cultural Life: The TUTAKA 2026 Festival of Free Belarusian Culture runs July 16–19 in Poland, with a growing, more diverse program and ticketed entry. Belarusian Arts Loss: One of the founders of “Pesnyary,” Uladzislau Misevich, has died at 81.

Belarusian Culture & Music: One of the founding members of the legendary ensemble Pesnyary, musician Uladzislau Misevich, has died at 81; his farewell is set for July 9. Olympics & Sport Politics: The IOC provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, clearing the way for Russian athletes to return to international competition ahead of LA 2028, though the flag and anthem question is still under review; Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk called the move “terrible,” saying she wants to “beat every single Russian.” International Sports Governance: Volleyball’s FIVB also lifted restrictions on Russia, allowing Russian athletes and officials back across disciplines and restoring ranking points. Belarus in the Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s president laid a wreath at Minsk’s Victory Monument during an official visit. Tech & Everyday Life: A viral story from Indonesia shows a farmer using a large drone for daily travel between home and a banana plantation—an unusual, offline-first kind of “mobility” moment making the rounds online.