Military Readiness Push: Lukashenko ordered Belarus to “shake up” the entire army, expanding combat readiness checks “up to mobilization,” while saying the country won’t attack neighbors. He also said his youngest son Nikolai is serving as a lieutenant in a “most difficult” unit. Ukraine-Linked Drone Support: Ukrainian intelligence says Russian drone-guidance repeaters in southern Belarus have resumed operation along the border, enabling long-distance video transmission. US Dialogue Condition: Lukashenko said Minsk is ready for more substantive talks with Washington only after Belarusian funds held in the US are returned. Rights Under Pressure: Minsk sentenced human rights lawyer Dmitri Laevski to three years in prison over “aiding extremism” and “discrediting,” tied to interviews after outlets were labeled extremist. Border/Illegal Entry Case: Finnish authorities said six people were found hiding in a vehicle at Helsinki port after arriving from Tallinn, with the case linked to illegal entry routes from Belarus. Economy/Metals: Belarus raised state purchase prices for gold and other precious metals, with new rates effective from Sept. 15. Everyday Life: Minsk traffic rules and transport quirks made news too—like a monowheel rider caught going far above allowed speeds and a metro passenger forced to carry a dog in a bag.