Belarus-UK Diplomacy: Belarus’ Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov received credentials from UK Chargé d’Affaires William Longhurst, discussing prospects for Belarusian-British cooperation. Military Build-Up: Minsk is expanding the 37th Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade near the Ukraine border, adding a second maneuver battalion plus artillery, air defense, reconnaissance and support units. Counter-Drone Push: President Lukashenko said he’s considering a “universal” counter-drone weapon as a new Academy of Intelligent Technologies is set to train specialists for defense and industry. New Elite University: The Academy of Intellectual Technologies will admit up to 150 students a year, with tracks in natural sciences, engineering tech and digital tech, and graduates expected to sign long-term contracts. Court and Prison Sentences: Minsk City Court sentenced musician Siarhei Mikhalok to four years in absentia for inciting social hatred and insulting Lukashenka. Justice/Extradition: Lithuania’s justice ministry is seeking Belarus’ extradition of Kandrotas, convicted in a fuel-tax evasion case. Sanctions and Borders: Lithuania says it sees no reason to lift sanctions while Belarus supports Russia; Latvia approved a tougher “national position” on sanctions and says the Latvia-Belarus border won’t be fully closed for now. Media and Telecom: Beltelecom added the .Black channel to its pay-TV lineup. Economy and Trade: Belarusian businesses are urging state intervention over Ukrainian strikes hitting Wildberries warehouses; Ukraine also imposed sanctions on two Belarusian defense/tech firms. Human Rights and Courts: Belarus’ first-half court statistics show fewer convictions overall but more corruption-related cases and a rise in “facilitating extremist activities” convictions among minors.