Prisoner Diplomacy: U.S. envoy John Coale returned to Minsk for talks with President Lukashenko on releasing political prisoners, with Washington linking progress to sanctions relief—while Belarusian rights groups warn repression continues and new detainees are being added. Political Prisoners: Human rights defenders recognized 11 more people as political prisoners, citing politically motivated charges and demanding their release and sentence reviews. NATO–Drone Tensions: NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus near Kaunas; Lithuania says it’s the first such shootdown in its territory and briefed EU/NATO allies as the region stays on high alert. Belarus as a War Enabler: Ukraine’s border service says Russian drone strikes on western Ukraine were supported by relay stations in Belarus, suggesting communications help even without a ground invasion. Sanctions & Industry Links: Investigative reporting says Chinese Zoomlion kept working with MAZ-linked structures in Belarus despite EU/U.S. sanctions, including payments tied to chassis supplies. Belarus–Zimbabwe: Minsk hosted Belarus–Zimbabwe inter-ministerial consultations on expanding trade and cooperation, including exploring an EAEU–Zimbabwe preferential trade deal. Economy & Health: Belstat reports agricultural output up 6.5% in Jan–Aug; health authorities warn of simultaneous circulation of non-influenza respiratory viruses, classic flu, and SARS‑CoV‑2.