Belarus-Russia Mining Deal: Lukashenka met Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin in Minsk, with both sides pushing joint projects on new mining equipment and even unmanned tech; the same week, BELAZ and Nornickel signed a venture aimed at replacing imported mining machinery. Belarus Industry & Trade Logistics: Belarusian Economy Minister Yury Chabatar discussed supplies of Belarusian machinery and faster rail deliveries with Yakutia (Sakha), including possible BELAZ purchases and a diamond cluster concept. Agriculture Processing: A cotton-spinning factory in Drogichyn started producing insulated winter blankets for calves using Belarus-made materials, with insulation thickness tuned to temperatures. Finance & Consumer Costs: Belarusbank’s “1% loan” housing scheme is linked to higher new-build apartment prices, while car spare parts rose sharply after price regulation was lifted. Cross-border Friction: Lithuania ordered checks on all transit grain from Russia and Belarus to block shipments from occupied Ukrainian territories. Regional Security Pressure: Latvia banned imports of Russian and Belarusian printed materials (and more) over disinformation and war-propaganda concerns. Tech/Compliance Risk: Lithuania expelled 22 Belarusian IT specialists tied to an EUSPA satellite-navigation project after allegations of concealed links to Russian/Belarus military industries. Energy Shock in the Region: Ukraine’s drone campaign is again highlighted as hitting Russian refining and fuel stability, with spillover effects felt across occupied areas.