Volozhin Region
Executive Committee

Scientists, educators, journalists, and experts must operate within a unified strategy on historical memory, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with members of the expert community engaged in ideological work to mark Day of People’s Unity on 17 September, BelTA has learned.

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Belarus marks the Day of people’s Unity on 17 September. The holiday was instituted on 7 June 2021 by Belarusian president’s Decree No.206.

The holiday celebrates the beginning of the Red Army's liberation campaign in Western Belarus in 1939, which resulted in the reunification of the Belarusian people, divided under the terms of the Treaty of Riga.
The territory of Belarus was divided between the two states as a result of the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1920. The eastern part of Belarus became the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, part of the USSR. The western territories of Belarus were annexed to Poland - some of the lands were seized by the Poles during the war, and some of them were agreed under the Treaty of Riga, signed on 18 March 1921.

The Polish state included the territory of more than 112,000 square kilometers with a population of 4.6 million people (according to 1931 data). These lands were given the unofficial name of Western Belarus, which the Polish authorities did not recognize. In official documents, these territories were more often called Kresy Wschodnie.

Western Belarus was a relatively backward agrarian outskirt of Poland. The region was mainly used by the state as a source of raw materials and cheap workforce. The working day in industry lasted for 10-12 hours, salaries were lower than in the other Polish regions. More than 80% of the region's population was engaged in agriculture.

The Polish authorities pursued a policy of polonization and assimilation against Belarusians. They prohibited the use of the Belarusian language in state institutions and banned Belarusian schools. Out of 400 Belarusian schools that operated on the territory of Western Belarus before the Polish occupation, only 16 remained in 1934, and none was left in 1939. The Belarusian press was persecuted. If there were 23 Belarusian newspapers and magazines legally published in 1927, then in 1932 there were eight of them, and only pro-Polish and clerical publications remained until 1937. There were no Belarusian theaters and musical institutions in Western Belarus. The authorities found various reasons to close Belarusian publishing houses, libraries and village reading rooms.

The main method the Polish government used was coercion and often terror. Mass police repression of the population during punitive expeditions to subdue farmers uprisings was commonplace. Political trials were a regular thing. Prisons were used to isolate “socially dangerous elements”. The Bereza Kartuska concentration camp was established in 1934. According to incomplete data, the camp saw more than 10,000 prisoners over the five years of its operation.

The Belarusian people have never accepted the situation they got in. For 20 years Belarusians fought for social and national liberation, and their struggle took different forms at different times, but never ceased. Workers’ and farmers’ demonstrations were a common thing at that period. Cultural and educational organizations, with the Belarusian School Association to be the leading one, made their considerable contribution. The Communist Party of Western Belarus was at the head of the revolutionary movement for many years.

In the late 1930s, the threat of war from Nazi Germany loomed over the entire Europe. The situation required joint actions from the leading countries of Western Europe and the USSR to prevent the war. Realizing this, the Soviet Union made a number of attempts to set up an anti-Hitler alliance with the UK, France and other Western countries in the second half of the 1930s. However, the leading European states refused the offer, secretly seeking to direct Hitler’s aggression eastward. The Soviet Union was faced with a choice: either to continue a one-on-one confrontation with Germany's growing military power, or to make attempts to diplomatically ward off the threat. Under such circumstances, the USSR concluded a nonaggression pact with Germany, which was signed in Moscow on 23 August. The document was accompanied by an additional secret protocol on the division of spheres of influence between Germany and the Soviet Union. According to this document, in the event of the liquidation of the Polish state and the division of its territories, the USSR’s sphere of influence included the lands of Western Belarus.

On 1 September 1939, Hitler’s Germany attacked Poland. The Second World War began. German divisions crossed the border in several directions and began to advance rapidly deep into the Polish state. Its government and commanders were unable to organize an effective defense and abandoned the country in the third week of the war.

In mid-September, German troops approached the territory of Western Belarus and Western Ukraine. The German leadership, referring to the agreement of 23 August, hurried the Soviet Union to act against Poland. Stalin, however, was delaying the intervention. Only when the Polish army was defeated, practically all the original Polish territories were occupied by German troops, and only isolated points of resistance remained in the country, did the Soviet government order the Red Army to cross the border.

On the morning of 17 September, the Polish Ambassador in Moscow received a note from the Soviet Government. It said: “The Polish-German War has revealed the internal instability of the Polish State. During 10 days of military operations Poland has lost all its industrial regions and cultural centers. Warsaw as the capital of Poland no longer exists. The Polish Government has scattered and gives no signs of life. This means that the Polish State and its Government factually have ceased to exist. By this fact in itself treaties concluded between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Poland have lost their validity. Left to shift for itself and left without leadership Poland has become a convenient field for all kinds of eventualities and unforeseen contingencies which may constitute a threat to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Therefore having been heretofore neutral the Soviet Government can no longer adopt a neutral attitude to these facts. The Soviet Government can also not be indifferent to the fact that the consanguine Ukrainians and Belarusians living on the territory of Poland who have been left to the whim of fate should be left defenseless. In view of this situation the Soviet Government has issued instructions to the Red Army High Command to give the order to its forces to cross the Polish border and take under their protection the life and property of the population of Western Ukraine and Western Belarus.

The note was signed by Molotov, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the USSR. He also made a radio address to the Soviet people.

The advance of the Soviet troops was rapid: on 18 September they occupied Sventyany, Lida, Novogrudok, Slonim, Volkovysk; and Pruzhany and Kobrin on 19 September.

Most units of the Polish Army surrendered without a fight. The units that included mostly ethnic Ukrainians and Belarusians, went over to the side of the Red Army. They were immediately sent home. Polish officers and policemen were sent by echelons to Soviet camps.

The main part of the population of Western Belarus welcomed the Soviet soldiers with joy and rendered effective assistance. Military and revolutionary committees were set up in many places to organize detachments of workers and farmers. These formations disarmed the police, took under guard bridges, enterprises and other important facilities.The battle for Grodno lasted for several days. About 3,000 soldiers and officers of the training unit and policemen put up a resistance here. On 20 September the city was taken, and on 22 September Soviet troops entered Brest-Litovsk and Bialystok.

With the arrival of the Red Army new authorities started forming in voivodeships and district capitals. Those were temporary administrations in cities and village committees in towns and villages. They took care of implementing the first reforms, and then of organizing elections to the People’s Assembly of Western Belarus, which was supposed to decide on the main aspects of the state system. The elections were held on 22 October 1939 in a situation of political upsurge.

The People’s Assembly of Western Belarus convened in Bialystok on 28-30 October 1939. It adopted a declaration on the proclamation of Soviet power and on the incorporation of Western Belarus into the BSSR. On 2 November 1939 the extraordinary 5th session of the first-convocation USSR Supreme Council decided to grant the request of the People’s Assembly of Western Belarus and to incorporate Western Belarus into the USSR and unite it with the Belarusian SSR. The final legislative act was the adoption of the law “On the admission of Western Belarus to the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic” by the extraordinary 3rd session of the BSSR Supreme Council on 14 November 1939. In this manner the republic’s territorial integrity was restored and the Belarusian nation was reunited.

The territory and the population of the republic almost doubled. Baranovichi Oblast, Bialystok Oblast, Brest Oblast, Vileika Oblast, and Pinsk Oblast were formed in the Western Belarus lands that had become part of the BSSR. These regions were involved in radical social and economic transformations. Enterprises and banks were nationalized, collectivization and mechanization of agriculture were carried out. Radical changes took place in education, healthcare, science, and culture. The work on liquidation of illiteracy was intensified. Educational institutions were set up for different ethnic groups of the population: as many as 4,192 Belarusian, 987 Polish, 173 Russian, 168 Jewish, 63 Lithuanian, 43 Ukrainian schools operated in the western regions of the BSSR in 1941. Theaters, 100 cinemas, 92 houses of culture, 220 libraries were opened. Belarusian-language press began circulating in all the oblast capitals and district capitals. The progressive development of economy and social sector of the western regions of the republic was interrupted by the start of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

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Belarus seeks to conquer no one but is capable of countering any aggressor, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at an awards ceremony in Minsk on 16 September, BelTA has learned.

“We do not threaten anyone. Although, I would like to tell Aleksandr Volfovich [State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus] that it is time we stopped justifying ourselves to them about whether we are fighting them or not… We told them once and that is enough. I think they heard us. Everyone is no fool and understands. No matter how many times we say it. We can respond to any aggressor. We are not trying to conquer anyone because we cannot conquer anyone. We understand it perfectly well. We are surrounded by strong states, it goes without saying. But we are always ready to fight back if someone sets foot on our land,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

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The unconditional priority of legislative activity is ensuring the independence and defense capability of the state, Chairman of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko said as he opened the third session of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus of the eighth convocation in Minsk on 16 September, BelTA has learned.

“The absolute priority of legislative activity is ensuring the independence and defense capability of the state,” Igor Sergeyenko said.

Belarus has always been a donor of regional security. Belarus does not need war. This is evidenced by the peaceful foreign policy of the country, the approved Concept of National Security and the Military Doctrine, which are purely defensive in nature.

“At the same time, we see what is happening on the Belarusian borders and in the European region as a whole. A large-scale process of militarization is underway, and our immediate neighbors – Poland and the Baltic states – are purposefully turning into NATO’s foothold. All this creates direct military threats both for Belarus and for the Union State,” Igor Sergeyenko said 

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Sport is not just a hobby for me; it's a lifestyle that I promote and follow, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with the Russian magazine Razvedchik, BelTA has learned.

“Sport is not just about competitions and medals for our country. It is a cornerstone of our national social policy, a means of promoting international relations, and a platform for people's diplomacy. More importantly, it is about the health of our people,” the head of state emphasized.

According to him, sanctions imposed by international sports organizations have placed Belarusian athletes and coaches in difficult conditions. “However, despite the pressure, we have not only preserved but are strengthening the country’s sporting potential,” the president stated, highlighting the special role of cooperation with Russia. More than 1,700 joint competitions and training camps have been held over the past three years.

Team sports have been particularly vulnerable, having lost access to their usual international calendars. Nevertheless, systematic efforts have been made, including participation in various leagues established by Russian partners.

“We are actively developing sports ties with other friendly countries. The performance of Belarusian athletes at prestigious competitions such as the BRICS Games, the Children of Asia Games, and the Games of the Future demonstrates our high potential and Belarus’ commitment to fundamental Olympic principles,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated. “Our country not only participates in international competitions but also acts as an organizer of major sporting events. We are not isolating ourselves from the global community and warmly welcome athletes from other countries.” For example, foreign participants traditionally show interest in annual tournaments in wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, and other sports held in Belarus.

Together with Russia, a new format of open competitions has been tested: the Cup of the Strongest. This year, it covers 3 winter and 15 summer sports. Since the beginning of the year, 12 such tournaments have already been held across both countries, with participants from 18 nations.

“We have introduced financial incentives for athletes and their coaches who achieve high results in international competitions that serve as alternatives to global and continental events. We are consistently implementing state support programs for sports,” the president said. “We are successfully training a sports reserve. Children’s and grassroots sports are actively developing. New and promising young talents are emerging.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko's personal attitude towards sport is well-known. Sport has always played and continues to play a significant role in the life of the head of state. "Physical activity is not just a hobby for me, it's a lifestyle that I promote and follow personally. Whenever possible, I try to get on the ice and train at least twice a week," the president shared. "I would very much like our young people to be as dedicated to their chosen activities as I am, striving to be strong and successful."

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The Belarusian side is prepared to resume operations at any border checkpoint if neighboring countries make such a decision, Chairman of the State Customs Committee Vladimir Orlovsky told the media following a meeting with the head of state in Minsk on 15 September, BelTA learned.

The Polish side closed border checkpoints before but this time it fully closed its border with Belarus, Vladimir Orlovsky noted. "If the closure is temporary, it will not significantly impact the overall flow of goods," Vladimir Orlovsky stated. "Ordinary people will suffer, those who did not manage to travel for vacation, business, or family matters.”

He assured that the Belarusian side is prepared to resume operations at any checkpoint if neighboring countries make such a decision. "If our neighbors show goodwill, we are ready. We have the personnel, and everything remains in place. Whichever checkpoint is opened, we are prepared to resume work literally within hours and carry out vehicle clearance and control. We hope that the checkpoints will be reopened. Things shouldn’t be otherwise between neighbors," Vladimir Orlovsky emphasized.

At the same time, the chairman of the State Customs Committee noted that coordinated work with the neighboring side has not yet been established, although Belarus is prepared to resume dialogue.
“For several years now, we have had virtually no contact with the customs services of Poland, Lithuania, or Latvia. The only remaining interactions occur directly at the border checkpoints and these are solely related to technical matters. We see how the neighboring side operates, and we act accordingly, responding to their actions,” Vladimir Orlovsky emphasized. “However, we have not refused dialogue and are prepared for it at any time, in any format. Unfortunately, the neighboring side has so far declined such dialogue.”

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has extended greetings to the employees and veterans of the preliminary investigation bodies as they mark their professional holiday, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian head of state.
“You have an immense responsibility to uphold law and order in the country and to maintain peace and harmony in society. The speed and quality of your work directly impact public trust in law enforcement and the state as a whole,” the message of greetings reads.

The president expressed gratitude to  Investigative Committee officers for their exceptional professionalism, objectivity, and dedication to their oath. “I am confident that your team will continue to uphold the principles of legality, justice, and the inevitability of punishment in fulfilling future tasks. You will remain a model of courage, integrity, and dedicated service to the Republic of Belarus and its people,” he emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also thanked veterans of the investigative bodies for their example of true patriotism and significant contribution to strengthening national security.

The head of state wished the employees and veterans of the preliminary investigation bodies and their families strong health, peace, and well-being.
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The Belarus-Russia joint strategic military exercise Zapad 2025 [West 2025] kicked off in Belarus on 12 September, the Belarusian Defense Ministry’s press service told BelTA.

The exercise will run until 16 September and will take place at training grounds in both Belarus and Russia.

Its objective is to practice coordinated actions between the Belarusian and Russian forces to ensure the military security of the Belarus-Russia Union State and readiness to repel potential aggression.

Key areas of focus include improving command and staff coordination in managing troops during defensive operations, enhancing interoperability between command structures and field training of personnel, and practicing joint responses to threats and efforts to stabilize conditions along the Union State’s borders.

Zapad 2025 is a scheduled event preceded by a series of preparatory maneuvers conducted in both countries.

In Belarus, the exercise is being held at training grounds located deep within the country's territory or in its eastern regions, and is defensive in nature.

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As many as 68 representatives of various areas of work have been honored with state awards. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed the relevant decree on 10 September, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.

Orders, medals, and honorary titles have been awarded in recognition of many years of productive work, high professionalism, courage, and determination demonstrated in rescuing drowning people, hitting high production targets, in recognition of meritorious military service, protection of the state border, environmental protection, and significant personal contributions to ensuring law and order and combating crime, alleviation of consequences of emergencies, the development of the agro-industrial complex, the forestry industry, the manufacturing sector, the civil engineering sector, the transport sector, and excellent achievements in healthcare, education, science, culture, and sport.

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Belarus will attract a concessional loan of 474.1 million Chinese yuan from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2025-2026. Corresponding resolution No.489 of 9 September by the Council of Ministers has been published on the National Legal Internet Portal, BelTA has learned.

According to the document, the preferential loan will be attracted for a 20-year term to implement the project to fit Belarusian healthcare institutions with medical equipment.

The resolution approves the draft loan agreement between the Government of Belarus, represented by the Finance Ministry, and the Export-Import Bank of China as a basis for negotiations.

The Council of Ministers authorized the Finance Ministry to conduct negotiations on the draft loan agreement, permitting it to make non-fundamental changes if necessary, and to sign the loan agreement upon reaching a consensus within the limits of the approved draft.

The resolution enters into force on the day of its adoption.

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